Epic adventure on the high seas – unforgettable day! - Sailing on the R. Tucker Thompson was hands-down one of the most exciting and memorable experiences of our entire trip! This is not just a tour—it’s a full-blown adventure from start to finish. Climbing the mast was an absolute thrill (and yes, the views from up there are next level!), and swinging from a rope into the crystal-clear water made us feel like real pirates living the dream. I even swam all the way from the ship to the island—what a feeling! The beach was gorgeous, the water was perfect, and it was just the right mix of chill and challenge. The delicious BBQ lunch onboard was the perfect reward after all the action—fresh, filling, and full of flavour. Whether you're there for the sailing, the swimming, or just soaking up the stunning Bay of Islands scenery, there's something for everyone. The crew were amazing—knowledgeable, fun, welcoming, and clearly passionate about what they do. They made everyone feel safe and part of the experience, whether we were hoisting sails or jumping off the ship. And the best part? The value for money on this tour is outstanding. For everything you get packed into one incredible day, it’s worth every cent and then some. If you're looking for a truly unforgettable way to explore the Bay of Islands—this is it. Don’t miss it! Love Kal, Sam and Jah

Stunning scenic trip on a beautiful tall ship - Brilliant experience. Peter and his crew were very friendly, knowledgeable and good fun. Great to be able to help with the sails and steering. Lovely BBQ lunch on board and swim afterwards just off one of the islands. We did expect to see more of the islands bit that would need to be done on another trip with a faster boat. This trip was certainly relaxing especially when we could just rely on the wind to sail back to Russell. Thoroughly recommend and helps a great charity

Great day out onj the briny! - A fantastic day out on the briny! My husband is a keen sailor so felt this might have been a 'bus man's holiday' when I booked it as a treat for us both - but he thoroughly enjoyed the day every bit as much as much as I did - scaling the rigging heights and hauling up the sails with great gusto! just a wonderful, happy experience that we neither of us could fault...and to make it even better, we were apparently somehow subsidising the young people's trips over the winter so that made us feel even better! Those trips must be so perfect for teenaged children to gain confidence, build resilience, gain an appreciation of the ocean environment, learn to work as a team and so many other good values to be enhanced! Our crew, under the lovely captaincy of Magnus, were a joy - special mention of young Lola who put her all into every part of the journey! and those scones! Best I've ever eaten! Thankyou to you all -

Book This Tour - This was the highlight of our two week trip. The crew were interactive and knowledge. The weather was great. We had a party of only 5 people, which made it feel like we had personally rented the entire thing. This is also a non-profit that teaches teenagers and young adults about boating.

R. Tucker Thompson excursion - Fantastic boat, great crew, plenty of good food. Just a really great trip. Wonderful views of The Bay of Islands. Highly recommend this day trip.

Lots of fun for all the family & helping local kids - V friendly staff and amazing ship. Kids were up & down the rigging all trip (and quite a few of the adults). Food was OK and got to visit one of the small islands would not have got near otherwise. Lots of fun for a day out & helping the local kids get confidence and life experience as well (main use is an 'outward bound' type service to help the local kids)

What a fantastic day.... - What a fantastic day. Crew were very engaging and encouraging to be active during the cruise. Food was very flavoursome and plentiful. Have created fantastic memories. One of the best things I loved the most was that the purpose of the ship was to help youth in local communities. Thank you for one of the best experiences we have had in New Zealand

Memorable day with a schooner. - We enjoyed our experience tremendously. It was wonderful to sail in a schooner with no noise other than wind and ocean waves. The side trip to an uninhabited island beach was great. I enjoyed climbing on a rope ladder to the main mast (using a safety harness). My wife enjoyed pulling on a rope to help raise the main mast. Barbecue lunch was delicious and we had a chance to purchase wine and beer. They made sure that we return in time to catch our cruise ship.

Fabulous day out - Fabulous day out on this wonderful old vessel full of charm and history. Great crew who are so passionate about what they do. Our day was picture perfect weather wise which added to our experience in this stunning location. Opportunity to just kick back and relax or be as actively involved as you wish. Definitely something for everyone be they young or old. Highly recommend this trip and you are also supporting a great trust who make such a difference in the lives of the young people who get to sail on board.

A perfect day - Loved it - fun, relaxing, beautiful, delicious. Perfect day out with perfect weather and supports youth. Highly recommend if you are looking for something gentle to do.