Sailing Tours
Cruises
Family-friendly Tours
Day Tours
Where does the ship stop, and are meals included?
The ship anchors at a sheltered island for approximately 30 minutes. When conditions allow, you can go ashore for a short beach walk or swim. The island is selected for the conditions on the day, so the stop should not be planned as a visit to a particular named island.
Fresh scones with tea or coffee are served for morning tea, followed by a barbecue lunch aboard the ship. Drinks from the licensed bar cost extra. If you want a longer stop and lunch ashore, compare the Discover the Bay Hole in the Rock Cruise with Island Lunch.
Where do you depart, and when do you return?
Board the tall ship at Russell Wharf before its 10am departure. It returns to the same wharf at approximately 3.30pm. Sailings operate on scheduled dates during the summer season, so check availability before arranging other activities that day.
If you are staying in Paihia, take the included passenger ferry to Russell. The suggested crossing leaves Paihia at 9.30am, with a return to Paihia around 4pm after the sail. You may use the included ferry tickets for earlier or later crossings to explore Russell; check the ferry timetable before making evening plans.
R Tucker Thompson sailing times and trip details
| Part of the trip | Time or detail |
|---|---|
| Passenger ferry from Paihia | 9.30am departure for Russell |
| Tall ship departure | Russell Wharf at 10am |
| Time aboard | Approximately five hours |
| Island stop | Approximately 30 minutes |
| Tall ship return | Russell Wharf at approximately 3.30pm |
| Passenger ferry return | Arrive in Paihia around 4pm |
| Total time to allow | 5½ hours from Russell; about 6½ hours from Paihia |
| Included | Sailing, commentary, morning tea, barbecue lunch, island stop and return Paihia–Russell passenger ferries |
| Operating dates | Scheduled sailings from late October to Easter; check your chosen date |
The ferry tickets can be used on earlier or later crossings if you want extra time in Russell.
Can families join, and what happens in poor weather?
Families can join the day sail. Children aged 5–15 qualify for child fares, while children under five travel free but do not receive an included meal. Taking part in sailing activities is optional, so family members can enjoy the voyage from the deck. Explore more Bay of Islands family activities.
Showers do not necessarily stop the ship from sailing. The crew may adjust the route and island activities to suit conditions, while a departure may be cancelled if the sea or weather makes sailing unsuitable. Check the sailing status before travelling to the wharf when the forecast is unsettled.
- Sail on the tall ship R. Tucker Thompson
- Island stopover with swimming opportunity
- Morning tea and barbeque lunch included
- Informative and entertaining commentary
- Free ferry transfers to Russell
- Adults: 16 years and older.
- Children: 5 - 15 years.
- Infants (Free): 0-4 years
- More than 24 hours before departure: Full refund**
- Within 24 hours: No refund
**Any refund approved under our terms and conditions will be subject to a 5% admin & processing fee, which will be deducted from the refund amount. Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.
