New Zealand Sailing Bay of Islands, New Zealand

R Tucker Thompson Introduction

Share a New Zealand tall ship sailing experience and step back in time to the romance of bygone years, with the tall ship "R. Tucker Thompson".

This traditional tall ship was built by Northlanders, here in New Zealand, a working replica of a Halibut Schooner. She has been operating from Opua since 1985 and is one of the foremost established working ships in the Bay of Islands.

Our New Zealand tall ship is operated as a not-for-profit trust, with profits from earned from day sails in summer going towards youth sail training programmes during winter. With her own special history, she epitomises the New Zealand way of creating a dream and living that dream.

The R Tucker Thompson has undertaken many sailing adventures including the First Fleet Reenactment round the world, as part of the Mururoa peace flotilla, trips to Japan and Korea, tall ships festivals in Canada and the USA as well as a number of Pacific voyages.

New Zealand Sailing Bay of Islands

The "R. Tucker Thompson" is spacious, with plenty of room on board to relax, read a book and soak up the sun. If you fancy something more energetic, then the crew will show you how to set the sails and you can help sail the ship!

If you really fancy adventure, then ride the bowsprit or climb the rigging, then swing off the rope for a lunch time swim.

At lunchtime, we'll find a sheltered cove and you can head ashore, have a swim or stay on board and have a drink. When you get back, we'll serve you a delicious BBQ lunch.

We have a licensed bar so you can enjoy a drink with your lunch before setting off for an afternoon sail on our New Zealand tall ship.

The friendly crew on this tall ship sailing experience will make you feel at home and share tall tales with you about past voyages. Then kick back, and experience the awesome feeling as the wind fills the sails and we sail home.

School Age Trips on our New Zealand Tall Ship

Working in partnership with other not for profit organisations, school age groups can experience a range of hands on, fun and educational activities on a half day tall ship sailing experience in Russell Kororeka.

Groups visit Pompallier, New Zealand's catholic printery, the Dept of Conservation and Russell Museum first before stepping on board the "R. Tucker Thompson" for a 90 minute sail in the Bay.

At only NZ$20 per head, this tall ship sailing experience is easily affordable for all and a great day out for school trips.

Youth Sail Training

During the New Zealand winter, the ship provides seven-day sail training voyages, aimed specifically at Te Tai Tokerau Northland youth aged between 13 and 18. These provide a hands-on learning in a supportive environment.

Horizons are literally widened and there's always pride expressed in meeting the varied challenges presented. Taken out of their usual comfort zones—no cell phones, smoke free, alcohol free, drug free, and finding that even the ground under their feet has been taken away—life on board this sailing ship provides discipline as well as excitement and fun.

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Environmental Eco-Sail

Discover the Bay of Islands' unique environment. Northland is home to some of New Zealand's spectacular and most accessible coastline with a wide range of natural bio diversity. Combined with a rich cultural history that is deeply intertwined with this area, this trip provides an authentic experience that can only be experienced by a few.

On board our New Zealand tall ship, "R. Tucker Thompson", you will not only get the chance to actually visit some of these offshore locations inaccessible by road, but also play your own part in a keeping this environment pristine and special.

To reach these remote locations, you'll have the opportunity to sail a tall ship—a graceful reminder of times past when man's impact on the environment was only minimal.

Special Occasions

Whatever your occasion—be it birthday, wedding anniversary, Christmas party or just because you fancy a get-together!

The R. Tucker Thompson can cater for up to 40 guests and provide a range of options to fit in with your needs, be it a simple twilight cruise with drinks and nibbles to a fully catered evening meal.

You can even bring your own food on board if you like. Our New Zealand tall ship has a fully licensed bar and we are happy to order in special items to suit your needs.

Unique Weddings

Hold your service on board our New Zealand tall ship, while anchored in one of the beautiful bays in the Bay of Islands or out from the historic village of Russell.

We can provide an informal or formal setting, whatever you want your wedding to be. Your guests can sail the ship or simply relax while our friendly crew do the work for you.

We can take care of all your needs for the special day, with a choice of delicious menus, drinks, ship decorations drinks and flowers—just let us know and we will be happy to help.

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