Tallship R Tucker Thompson
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Tallship R Tucker Thompson
A chance to go sailing on a working tall ship in one of the most beautiful parts of New Zealand, the Bay of Islands. Better still, with profits made from tourism going to support youth development, your day out is going to a good cause!
Catch the breeze and set sail for the day from Russell on board the unique tall ship "R. Tucker Thompson", built in the tradition of 100 year old schooners by local Northlanders. She has sailed the world but today will explore the somewhat calmer seas of the Bay of Islands with you on board.
The design of the "R. Tucker Thompson" is based on the Halibut schooners of the North West American coast, which were considered fast and sea kindly and easily manned. She has a lofty rig of varnished oregon spars. Kwila decks and bulwarks with flashes of brass-work to make her look as she should, a working ship of the 18th century, purposeful and square-shouldered, but with a touch of style and speed.
The day out is an interactive experience, so help set the sails, ride on the bowsprit, climb the rigging; alternatively relax while our crew does the work. You will also enjoy the Devonshire tea freshly baked and brewed in the galley each morning. The ship is spacious and comfortable and the friendly crew makes it a personal experience, often described as the best day of any holiday.
At lunchtime the vessel anchors in a secluded bay. Step ashore, take a swim or try swinging from the yardarm. With all this sea air and activity you'll have a hearty appetite - taken care of by a tasty barbecue lunch cooked on board. Return to Russell this afternoon.
The ship is operated as a not-for profit charitable trust with profits from day sail activities being used to support youth sail training programmes over the New Zealand winter. Operating for over 25 years, the ship is Qualmark approved with a Gold environmental rating.
Details
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Organisation |
Tallship R Tucker ThompsonCommercial organisation |
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Location |
North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Bay of Islands |
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Directions To Coordinates |
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Directions Paihia Office |
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Coordinates |
Sailing
Boat Cruises
Reviews
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5.0/5
We had the sun, the wind and fellow 'sailors' all on board for good day of sailing.
However it was the crew so wonderfully lead by Captain Terry that made this day so memorable. Friendliness and courteousness of these people made it so special. And plenty of laughter too!Many thanks
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5.0/5
The adventure on the R Tucker was the best day of our holidays.
The crew were fun and friendly.....everything about the day was great.
Thank you for your feedback, we're glad it was a highlight of your holidays!
Jane Hindle
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5.0/5
Great friendly crew, passionate about what they do for the kids.
I will never forget my time at the helm.
Thank you so much for your kind words. We're delighted you enjoyed your sailing with us.
Jane Hindle
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5.0/5
I did the morning/afternoon trip and it was fantastic.
I booked on a last moment to ensure the weather would be great and it was one of the highlights of my holiday in NZ. Something I will never forget, something that stands out and above. Even the way how other explorer boats treat Tallship R Tucker Thompson makes you feel you are being part of something special, perhaps even legendary.
Kia ora and thank you for your review. We aim to create memories so it is wonderful to thing you will take these home with you. We've had plenty of people who have returned 20+ years after sailing with us the first time, so hopefully you will do the same :)
Jane Hindle
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Glad you enjoyed the experience!
Jane Hindle
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5.0/5
I had an absolutely fantastic time on the Tallship.
The crew were professional and friendly, willing to teach for those who wanted to learn and willing to let those who wanted to relax do just that. I think everyone had a chance to do what they wanted to do and have their desired experience. I chose to climb the rigging, help hoist the sails, and use the rope swing to splash in the water, all of which were incredibly fun. The lunch was incredible and I had a thoroughly enjoyable day. Thanks to everyone on the crew!
Delighted you enjoyed your time with us and thank you for your review, kia ora!
Jane Hindle
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5.0/5
The team at R Tucker Thompson was very courteous from Day 1.
The entire process from smooth from the time of booking.! Loved the experience. Very different from a traditional cruise.
The stop-over at the island was picturesque.!
Thank you very much for giving us your feedback - so pleased that you loved your experience with us, kia ora!
Jane Hindle
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4.5/5
Great day spent cruising around near Russell.
Captain and crew were fantastic, very friendly. Laid back atmosphere was great and food was excellent.
Glad you enjoyed your day with us!
Jane Hindle
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5.0/5
Excellent way to discover the Bay of Islands - enjoy a day of real old style sailing on the Tucker, great crew and swimming.
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5.0/5
We had the sun, the wind and fellow 'sailors' all on board for good day of sailing.
However it was the crew so wonderfully lead by Captain Terry that made this day so memorable. Friendliness and courteousness of these people made it so special. And plenty of laughter too!Many thanks
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5.0/5
The adventure on the R Tucker was the best day of our holidays.
The crew were fun and friendly.....everything about the day was great.
Thank you for your feedback, we're glad it was a highlight of your holidays!
Jane Hindle
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5.0/5
Great friendly crew, passionate about what they do for the kids.
I will never forget my time at the helm.
Thank you so much for your kind words. We're delighted you enjoyed your sailing with us.
Jane Hindle
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Glad you enjoyed the experience!
Jane Hindle
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5.0/5
I did the morning/afternoon trip and it was fantastic.
I booked on a last moment to ensure the weather would be great and it was one of the highlights of my holiday in NZ. Something I will never forget, something that stands out and above. Even the way how other explorer boats treat Tallship R Tucker Thompson makes you feel you are being part of something special, perhaps even legendary.
Kia ora and thank you for your review. We aim to create memories so it is wonderful to thing you will take these home with you. We've had plenty of people who have returned 20+ years after sailing with us the first time, so hopefully you will do the same :)
Jane Hindle
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5.0/5
The team at R Tucker Thompson was very courteous from Day 1.
The entire process from smooth from the time of booking.! Loved the experience. Very different from a traditional cruise.
The stop-over at the island was picturesque.!
Thank you very much for giving us your feedback - so pleased that you loved your experience with us, kia ora!
Jane Hindle
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5.0/5
I had an absolutely fantastic time on the Tallship.
The crew were professional and friendly, willing to teach for those who wanted to learn and willing to let those who wanted to relax do just that. I think everyone had a chance to do what they wanted to do and have their desired experience. I chose to climb the rigging, help hoist the sails, and use the rope swing to splash in the water, all of which were incredibly fun. The lunch was incredible and I had a thoroughly enjoyable day. Thanks to everyone on the crew!
Delighted you enjoyed your time with us and thank you for your review, kia ora!
Jane Hindle
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4.5/5
Great day spent cruising around near Russell.
Captain and crew were fantastic, very friendly. Laid back atmosphere was great and food was excellent.
Glad you enjoyed your day with us!
Jane Hindle
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5.0/5
Excellent way to discover the Bay of Islands - enjoy a day of real old style sailing on the Tucker, great crew and swimming.
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5.0/5
We had booked the day trip around the Bay of Islands.
Well organized, beautiful ship, friendly crew, tasty food (both the scones and the lunch), wonderful trip, a stop at Roberton Island, good weather - all around a perfect day!
Amazing dialect of Dave, the skipper. We had a lot of fun!
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5.0/5
Lovely afternoon sail from Russell.
Passenger ferry tickets from Paihia and back were included. Booking staff were helpful regarding weather and happy for us to postpone by a day when a summer squall hit on the day we'd originally planned to sail.
Our theatrical and piratical captain was entertaining and the crew were helpful.
I was able to participate in all parts of handling the ship whilst my partner preferred to simply sit back, relax and enjoy the cruise.
Yummy snacks were provided and drink was available to purchase on board. Just wish it could have lasted longer - will have to consider the full day sail next time.
It's also great to be doing an activity where you know the proceeds go towards giving kids an opportunity to experience the challenges and joy of sailing a tall ship.
Capped off with a sea shanty from the captain at the end!
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5.0/5
Wonderful day sailing around the Bay of Islands, Bill steered the ship for a while, the crew were fantastic, and the food was yummy.
Had so much of a good time that we are booking again next week!
Good for you! Hope you enjoyed your second sailing as much :-)
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5.0/5
2 hour afternoon sailing cruise at Bay of Islands.
Excellent trained people, very experienced - it was amazing!!!
Thank you for your feedback. Glad you had a good time!
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5.0/5
A days adventure on the High Seas is something everyone HAS to do.
R Tucker Thompson
From climbing the rigging (up to Lower Tops) to clambering to the end of the Bowsprit. An amble on an Island, a BBQ onbard with swing into the sea to cool off ... many many memories.
To Be Repeated ... If you are in the Bay of Islands DO not miss this amazing experience
TY to the Superior Staff-Crew
Glad you had a great time, will pass your message on to the crew! Hope to see you again sometime :-)
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Thank you for sailing with us Peter :-)
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5.0/5
A great trip with very friendly people.
MUST DO experience! Money goes to projects working with children who are taken for sailing trips in the off season to learn social skills and team work.
Kia ora Sebastian, thanks for your review and so glad you had a great time. We've had a busy winter with youth voyages (check our website for blogs) and appreciate your support!
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4.0/5
Good day sailing on Tallk Ship including good lunch.
Supports sailing activities for local youngsters; you help to sail the boat and can climb rigging etc. Bay of Islands: out of Russell or Paihia.
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5.0/5
What a day !
Definitely in the top 3 activities you can do in NZ ! The crew is just fantastic, really fun and friendly and you go to an isolated part of the Bay Of Islands (where you're not surrounded by big charter companies) towards a magnificent beach !
The boat itself is a beauty and sailing is just so relaxing, you can even grab a harness and climb the mast to get a 360 degrees view ! There's also a high probability that you'll see dolphins ! Just an awesome day and adventure !
Kia ora and thanks for your lovely review. Hope to see you back sometime....
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4.5/5
Sail on an old two-mast ship.
If you want, you can assist the crew, eg climbing up the mast and getting the sails. Good BBQ on board for lunch. Take the opportunity and go swimming in lovely bays.
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5.0/5
Very beautiful area, sailing is a good way to explore the bay.
The old style schooner is stunning. Staff very friendly. They do a BBQ on board and you visit a small island where you can swim or snorkel.
Thank you for your review, Natascha. We are glad you enjoyed your sailing with us! Fair winds from the R.Tucker Thompson crew.
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5.0/5
If you do only one thing in North Island, book a trip with R Tucker Thompson, not only is it a great day out, it is for a good cause.
The Bay of Islands is beautiful and seeing the area from this stunning tall ship is the best way to do it. Lovely friendly crew, yummy lunch, dolphins, and hands on sailing if you want to. Would love to do again and would recommend to everyone! I have been travelling in NZ for 5 weeks (North and South) and I would rank this as my best experience overall.
Thanks so much for your great feedback Sally, it is much appreciated. And thanks for recommending it to everyone on your travels ;-) Hope your 5 week stay in New Zealand has created lifetime memories for you!
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5.0/5
Great day viewing the Bay of Islands from a whole new perspective.
Great trip and staff. Getting the tourists involved with the sailing was a plus.
Thank you for taking the time to give us your feedback - glad you had a good time!
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Thanks Simon, glad you had a good time and hope to see you again :-)
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5.0/5
This was the most awesome day trip.
We were on a cruise from the US to Australia via New Zealand and booked this as a shore excursion. The crew was excellent, the lunch was very good. We had so much fun and plan to book this trip again on our next visit to Bay of Islands.
We look forward to seeing you back again in the Bay!
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4.5/5
Excellent day out.
Run by a charity to assist young NZ. Good crew, passengers encouraged to become involved in sailing.
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5.0/5
A wonderful day out, very friendly crew, made us all feel part of the boat.
Run as a charity for youngsters (for your ref., we are heading towards our 70's).
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5.0/5
This was a fantastic trip.
The crew were wonderful - even providing a surprise birthday cake for my daughter! It was a simply glorious experience we will never forget. The Captain let my daughter take the helm for quite some time - which made it even better.
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5.0/5
Excellent tour, good lunch and cream tea, very competent and friendly crew.
A wonderful experience!
Very glad you enjoyed your trip with us!
