Set sail on a classic tall ship through the 144 islands of the Bay of Islands — New Zealand's most storied cruising ground — with the chance to spot bottlenose dolphins, snorkel in glassy coves, and step ashore at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the birthplace of the nation.
What to expect
The R. Tucker Thompson departs Paihia under sail, her square sails filling as you glide through the bay's island-dotted waters. Crew invite guests to help trim the sails, and a naturalist guide scans for common and bottlenose dolphins — encounters are frequent and often spectacular. A shore landing at a remote beach offers swimming and snorkelling in crystalline water. The return passage at sunset, with the Waitangi hills glowing gold, is as cinematic a moment as New Zealand offers.
Good to know
Paihia is the hub for Bay of Islands departures; cruise ships typically tender or dock at Opua, a 10-minute drive or water taxi from Paihia. Book the R. Tucker Thompson directly through Fullers GreatSights well in advance — day-sail capacity is strictly limited. Full-day sail is approximately 7 hours; verify against your all-aboard time.