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North Island

Start: Russell
Duration: 1hr 45mins

From Russell Wharf at 4pm, the R Tucker Thompson Sundowner Sail explores the inner Bay of Islands around Paihia, Waitangi and the Black Rocks. It runs Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays from late October to Easter. The 1-hour-45-minute sail has no stop ashore; included return ferries make the outing about 2½ hours from Paihia (3.30–6pm). A shared antipasto platter and crew commentary are included. Passengers may help hoist the sails or relax on deck, suiting families and first-time tall-ship sailors.

The R. Tucker Thompson tall ship sailing at sunset with full sails against a colorful sky.

Sunset Tall Ship Sailing from Russell

Step aboard the R Tucker Thompson at Russell Wharf and experience the Bay of Islands under sail. The Sundowner Sail takes you past Paihia and Waitangi and towards the distinctive Black Rocks, with changing views across the islands and coastline along the way. As you sail, the friendly crew shares stories and insights into the region’s rich maritime heritage, adding another dimension to an already memorable journey.

A happy couple taking a selfie on the bowsprit of a sailing ship, surrounded by turquoise waters and tropical islands under a bright blue sky.

The relaxed late-afternoon departure makes this an ideal experience for travellers looking to enjoy the Bay of Islands without committing to a full-day cruise. Settle in with a shared antipasto platter as the light begins to soften across the water, with local wine and beer available to purchase from the licensed bar. Even better, proceeds from R Tucker Thompson sailings support youth sailing programmes, helping a new generation experience life at sea.

  • Sunset sail on the R. Tucker Thompson tall ship
  • Shared antipasto platter included
  • Licensed cash bar* with local wines and beers
  • Informative and entertaining commentary
  • Free ferry transfers to Russell on any ferry
  • *Bar charges not included
  • 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.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Complimentary return passenger-ferry transfers from Paihia to Russell are included when required, making the sailing experience easy to reach from either town. Travel across earlier to explore the historic streets, waterfront and attractions of Russell before boarding at Russell Wharf.

Departing Russell Wharf in the late afternoon, the 1-hour 45-minute cruise explores the sheltered Inner Bay around Paihia, Waitangi and the Black Rocks. Passengers can help hoist the sails, take the helm or relax on deck while enjoying an included antipasto platter. Discover more ways to explore these scenic waters on the Bay of Islands cruises page.

The R. Tucker Thompson is a traditional gaff-rigged schooner offering an authentic tall-ship experience rather than a conventional sightseeing cruise. Its timber decks, towering masts and working sails evoke New Zealand’s maritime heritage while providing a memorable way to explore the coast. Compare this experience with other Bay of Islands sailing tours.

Choose the Sundowner Sail for a relaxed evening on the water with tall-ship sailing, coastal scenery and an antipasto platter in under two hours. The R. Tucker Thompson Full Day Sail provides a more immersive experience with morning tea, a barbecue lunch and an island stop for swimming or exploring. Both cruises offer memorable ways to experience the Bay of Islands.

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