Make your way to the Russell wharf to meet your sailing vessel 10 minutes before departure time. If you are staying in Paihia, pick up your round-trip ferry ticket at the Maritime Building in the late afternoon.
Then step aboard the R. Tucker Thompson, an iconic tall ship of the Northland. You'll set sail for the inner Bay of Islands while you help an expert hoist the sails. Once underway you're served a shared antipasto platter. Purchase a drink from the cash bar and marvel at the beauty of a traditionally rigged vessel under sail.
If you're feeling adventurous, there's time to slip into a harness and climb up the rigging. For the more romantically inclined, head out to the bowsprit and create your own memories. Perhaps sip a glass of wine while watching the sunset.
When your 2-hour cruise concludes, you're free to dine in one of the many restaurants in the historical village of Russell and return by ferry to Paihia at your leisure.