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On March 29, 2013 our cruise ship arrived at the Paihia Wharf. After taking the ferry to Russell Wharf, we boarded the R. Tucker Thompson for a wonderful day. The morning started out cool so the scones with strawberry jam along with tea or coffee was a welcome treat. Those who wanted to be involved raised and lowered the sails and took the helm to steer the ship. After taking a dinghy to one of the islands, we returned to the aroma of BBQ. One of the hands on board had made BBQ chicken, potato salad, and a green salad, which was served with some delicious bread. Liquid refreshment was available for purchase. There was opportunity to climb the mast (tethered of course) and swim if we desired. I booked my trip through Viator and not only enjoyed my cruise, but realized it benefited a not -for-profit trust that takes young people on a weeks sailing voyage, which helps them develop confidence, leadership and teamwork. A great time and the opportunity to help others. What more could you ask....and reasonable too?
Doing what: Bay of Islands Tall Ship Sailing on R. Tucker Thompson including BBQ Lunch
Great tour. Loved going through the whole in the rock and being lucky enough to see the dolphins.
Doing what: Best of the Bay Supercruise - Original Cream Trip
Great trip, despite the weather, which prevented us from swimming with the dolphins although we did get to see them. Beautiful scenery and really well-informed crew. Fantastic way to see the Bay of Islands.
Doing what: Best of the Bay Supercruise - Original Cream Trip
Was very good. Enjoyed it a lot. The captain was very knowledgable and the sights were beautiful
Doing what: Bay of Islands Cape Brett 'Hole in the Rock' Cruise
We loved it! Great experience with a wonderfully happy and helpful crew. They love their jobs and it shows. The captain smiled when we boarded and that smile was on his face the entire time. An obviously happy man who loves to sail! He encouraged any of the passengers who wanted to take the helm, to do so - including two young boys who had the time of their lives. The BBQ chicken lunch was very good and plentiful. This trip included ages from 8 to 72 and all enjoyed it. The 20-something young people climbed the mast and swinging from a rope, jumped into the water from the side of the ship (not the mast!). This day turned out to be the highlight of our South Pacific trip.
Doing what: Bay of Islands Tall Ship Sailing on R. Tucker Thompson including BBQ Lunch
We had a great cruise. The pilot was excellent in explaining the history of each island as we headed to the "Hole in the Rock". He had a great sense of humor and he was speaking distinctly over the intercom. The weather was sunny and warm and we had a number of great photo ops. The sea was a bit too rough to navigate through the hole but we were able to get very close to it for photos. A great value compared to what we would have had to pay if we had booked a similar cruise through our cruise liner.
Doing what: Bay of Islands Cape Brett 'Hole in the Rock' Cruise
What an excellent day! We helped put up and take down the sails, took our turn at the wheel and even climbed out on the bow spit! We climbed the hill when the ship anchored and were able to see across the Bay of Islands. On the way back we saw dolphins. The crew were brilliant in explaining what we were doing and why and with the other visitors being fun and friendly we had a wonderful day.
Doing what: Bay of Islands Tall Ship Sailing on R. Tucker Thompson including BBQ Lunch
The weather was wind and rain so we were unable to go to the Hole in the rock. However the cruise around the islands was interesting and informative by providing plenty of local history. We also had the opportunity to closely observe dolphins who joined us for about fifteen minutes.
Doing what: Bay of Islands Cape Brett 'Hole in the Rock' Cruise
Well, we thought this was the most boring, expensive non event of our trip. The only thing that was good was the sand boarding - for those that could do it. 64 miles of travelling on a beach didn't cut it for us, nor did the fact that the booking clerk got it wrong, and we were left waiting for half an hour before they realised their mistake, before they picked us up. Then we were the last to be dropped off the bus... at the entrance to the Holiday Park some 600 metres of a walk - fine for able bodies, but I have a stick and that was the last gasp. 11 hours - ugh!
Doing what: Cape Reinga and 90 Mile Beach Tour from Bay of Islands
Great day, crew on boat wonderful , would reccommend as a must do in the Bay of Islands.
Vicki
Doing what: Best of the Bay Supercruise - Original Cream Trip
A Long day but worth it to be at the very top of NZ The drive through to the sand dunes was terrific. Dont know of many places that can be accessed by 4wd through a water course to massive sand dunes.
Vicki
Doing what: Cape Reinga and 90 Mile Beach Tour from Bay of Islands
The Cream Trip was the only experience we booked ahead of our arrival in New Zealand. We had high expectations and were not disappointed. Fantastic commentary from the (female) skipper. Lots of laughs - not intrusive, and very interesting. We loved our lunch time stop on the island: lots of options, and we thought our fish and chips were the best we've had in ages. I am prone to sea sickness and had no problems on this well sized vessel - not too big, but spacious, light, smooth and everyone had a good view. Being on the water and getting out onto the bay to see all the islands will remain one of my favourite holiday memories. I would do it again!
Doing what: Best of the Bay Supercruise - Original Cream Trip
Excellent - one of the best ways to see the area
Doing what: Bay of Islands and Hole in the Rock Scenic Helicopter Tour
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