The R. Tucker Thompson is an award-winning, non-profit organisation and one of the few opportunities to sail on a working tall ship. They offer sailing trips from early December until mid/late April, and their profits go directly towards offering young Northlanders life-changing, seven-day youth development adventures.

How much does it cost?

There are two options: day tours and evening cruises. Day trips currently cost $179/adult and $89/child, which includes ferry transfers from Paihia to Russell, morning tea, a stop-off at one of the islands (usually Urupukapuka), and a BBQ lunch. There is also a full bar on board with lots of local wine and beer.

How to get there

The Bay of Islands are roughly 3.5 hours from Auckland, and well worth visiting if you get time to squeeze it into your trip. The R. Tucker Thompson sails from Russell at 10 am and returns at 3:30 pm. If you're staying in Paihia, you'll have to catch the 9:30 am passenger ferry to Russell (included in your ticket price) and can expect to be back in town by 4 pm.