Are you looking for the Perfect Christmas Gift? Stop right here

Posted on by iHop Hunter Valley

Is someone hard to buy for?

The person who has everything?

Someone special to spoil?

Whoever you’re buying for this Christmas, at iHop Hunter Valley, we have the perfect Christmas gift. Custom group wine tours in the Hunter Valley are becoming increasingly popular because they’re tailored to what you want to see and do. And they’re private.

That means – just you and your crew and our staff devoted to you for the duration of your tour.

See what you want with the people you love!

Of course, the Hunter Valley is known for food and wine … but there’s so much more to explore.

There is beautiful scenery and plenty to do, including art classes, cooking classes, and adventures, including hot air balloon tours. And, at this time of year, there is the very special Christmas Light Spectacular in the Hunter Valley Gardens – not just for the kids (although they’ll love it!). This is a delightful experience for everyone.

With more than 4 million lights decorating the gardens, there is nothing quite like it to make you feel festive and in the mood for the magic of Christmas! The light display is a must while you’re here in the Christmas season. It runs from now through until the end of January.

Beer, Wine, Spirits, Food, and so much more…

In the Hunter Valley surrounds, there are more than 180 cellar doors, microbreweries, distilleries, gourmet food options, restaurants, and a range of activities – wine tasting, beer and spirit tasting, grazing tours, cocktail making classes, cooking classes, high teas, horse riding and even escape rooms!

For the wine lovers – the “Oenophiles” – plenty of cellar doors cater to groups. Bookings are essential, but these make for great family gatherings, friendly get-togethers, or even corporate events. Many wineries have onsite restaurants, live music, or even event spaces where you can organise something exceptional.

Not forgetting the Beer enthusiasts, over the past years, there has been an expansion of breweries and microbreweries in the Hunter Valley, and there is now an impressive choice – all of which offer great bistro food and a little brewing education too.

The choice can be overwhelming, particularly if you’re only in the region for a short visit. That’s why, when you book an iHop custom tour, we take the time to understand your tastes and interests.

The fun begins when you fill out our online questionnaire. From there, we will work tailoring a personalised tour to suit your tastes and budget requirements. We are always just a phone call away, so feel free to call us to discuss this in more detail or ask any questions. 

Exceptional Service from a Dedicated Team

After 8+ years of providing professional and efficient transport and tours in the local area, as proud locals, we would say we know the area reasonably well and the best way to get around, ensuring you make the most out of your stay in the beautiful Hunter Valley!

When you book a custom tour, we’ll take care of all the details – these might include but are not limited to meeting the needs of someone with a disability, catering for food sensitivities or allergies, or working around other commitments and time constraints.

Our buses are all modern, clean and comfortable, with air conditioning, and our experienced drivers, being locals themselves, will share local insights and provide history on the region, along with some informative fun facts.

The Wonnarua people are the traditional owners of the Hunter Valley, and this area is rich in Aboriginal culture and history; there are several significant sites, including Baiame Cave and Finchley Trig. They are well worth a visit.

Early settlers moved into the region in the 1800s. Throughout the area, the architecture and building styling, in particular, pay homage to the former generations who realised the potential for growing wine here and were the first to test the soil.

Wherever possible, nature has been left to flourish and bloom, and expansive farmlands give the area its beautiful scenic backdrop and supply much of the local produce used in local cafes and restaurants.

Make Lasting Memories

We started iHop Hunter Valley as we fell in love with the region (being lovers of quality food and wine) and wanted to offer an affordable transport service around the Hunter Valley, Your Way! We’ve become one of the region’s premier tour operators thanks to our loyal customers. We enjoy the custom tour side of our business because we get to showcase the best the Hunter Valley offers on a wine tour adventure designed just for you!

We promise to make your time in the Hunter Valley one to remember for years!

Can you think of a more perfect gift for that someone special? Why not purchase a gift voucher and give the gift of the Hunter Valley!

Custom tours operate 5 days a week, Thursday to Monday, for a minimum 3-hour duration. For more information, check our website.

Celebrate the holiday season in the Hunter Valley

Posted on by iHop Hunter Valley

Christmas is a time to celebrate, relax and enjoy time with family and friends. Traditionally, for Australians, December also marks the long summer break from school, the time that workplaces close down for a couple of weeks … and that means time for fun! For everyone!

Over the past couple of years, many of us have been separated from family and friends for long periods, so how about getting everyone together in the Hunter Valley this year?

The accommodation options in the Hunter Valley are endless. There are also activities for wine lovers, beer lovers, food lovers, culture seekers, and anyone who enjoys the lovely Australian countryside.

You’re never far from a beautiful view in the Hunter Valley, so you can feel like you’re a million miles away … yet, world-class amenities surround you.

There’s just so much to do – aside from food and wine tours, there are hot air balloon rides, great restaurants, shopping, arts, craft, culture, history …

Or, if you want to chill out and spend time together, there are plenty of places to picnic and play a family cricket game!

So – I can hear you thinking that it sounds excellent… but it would be exhausting rounding everyone up and having the responsibility of driving around exploring. After all, who wants to be the designated driver while everybody else gets to relax, look out the window, and maybe have an alcoholic beverage or two?

That’s where we come in!

iHop has a range of transport options for your stay in the Hunter Valley, whether it’s one of our guided tours, the Hop-On Hop-Off bus service, or the full chauffeur service with the on-demand group transport.

The on-demand group transport service is tailored to your needs – you can arrange a central meeting spot, or we can pick up and drop off from various locations. We also offer a concierge service where we can tailor an all-inclusive tour to your group’s perfect day out!

If you want something less formal, then the iHop Hop-On Hop-Off bus service runs regularly to all the main destinations around Central Pokolbin in the Hunter Valley – just like a public bus service – so you can check the timetable and get around quickly to where you want to go!

Guided Tours and Private Tours

But for something special, we recommend a guided tour. There are full-day and half-day tours; some only last a few hours.

We also arrange customised private tours tailored especially for the desires of your group.

What about cooking classes? Long lunches or dinners? Wine Tasting? Food and drink pairing? Wine tasting and painting classes? Aqua golf?

The options are endless, and there is something to suit all ages, all tastes, and all
budgets. Oh, and by the way, we also offer gift certificates, so if you’re looking for a unique Christmas Gift, contact us to find out more! 

At iHop, we specialise in a range of transport and tour options and pride ourselves on our local knowledge. We can offer you a range of suggestions that will create the perfect day or night for everyone – and we mean everyone – from the hard-to-please uncles to great-grandmas and even toddlers.

Christmas Lights Spectacular

Don’t forget that the Hunter Valley Gardens annual Christmas Lights Spectacular is from 4 November 2022 to 26 January 2023, every night from 5.30 pm. This is a gorgeous experience. And it gets bigger and brighter every year. It should be on your agenda if you’re coming to the Hunter Valley over the holiday period.

So, what are you waiting for? Book now, while available, so that you won’t be disappointed. Come for a night, a week, and a few weeks – we guarantee you’ll have a good time … and go home feeling relaxed, fresh, and ready to start the New Year. And, if you do it the right way (we can help) … you’ll have beautiful memories to last a lifetime, too.

Why Spring is the perfect time to visit the Hunter Valley

Posted on by iHop Hunter Valley

The truth is that any time is a great time to visit the Hunter Valley, but there is something special about Spring (one of our favourite seasons)!

What’s so special about Spring in the Hunter Valley?

Because primarily of our temperate climate, there are few places in Australia where you can feel and see the seasons. The Hunter Valley is one of them, and it is stunning at this time of year because this is an agricultural country. Spring is the season of new beginnings and growth in the farming calendar – lush green hills surround us, bright blossoming trees and shrubs, and all the animal babies.

It’s a lovely time of year – fresh with the promise of new life as bud burst takes place on the vines, endless possibilities, and long summer evenings not far away! 

If this doesn’t convince you … then come and see for yourself. And if you love baby animals, make sure you put Pokolbin Farm on your to-do list!

Winemaking … and much, much more

As Australia’s oldest winemaking region, with a solid international reputation for wine and more than 180 cellar doors, there is a lot to see and do if you’re a wine enthusiast. But even if you’re a teetotaller, whether you’re coming for a week or a weekend, there are some incredible experiences for everyone.

At iHop, we’re proud to say as locals; we know our backyards pretty well now!

And so our friendly team will be able to recommend any activity for singles, couples, groups, families, and any age group.

If you’ve got limited time, we suggest taking a tour. We’ve packaged these up to suit all budgets and tastes and taken care of everything for you, so all you need to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy yourself.

We have something for everyone, including ‘chocolate lovers,’ ‘shopaholics,’ and food and wine tours, just for starters.

Our Hunter Valley wine tours have been designed to showcase the best the Hunter region has to offer, from internationally renowned wineries, microbreweries, casual and fine dining venues, cheese shops, chocolatiers, shopping, art, craft, local history, and more …

We also offer:

Tours and more

Browse our website and look at what you can do – we have an easy search function that will help you find the information that matches your interest and budget. You can book online too.

Our buses are clean, modern, air-conditioned, and spacious … so you can travel around in comfort. We even have storage boxes and cooler box facilities on board, so you can be assured that any wine you purchase will stay chilled, along with the smoked salmon, cheeses, chocolates, and delicious dips or other goodies you’ve collected along the way.

The only thing that will spoil when you return to your accommodation is YOU!  

Sit back and relax

iHop was founded by a husband and wife team who are both actively working day to day in the business and have lived in the region for 7+ years. Their local knowledge is invaluable, and it’s what underpins all the tours we’ve put together for you to choose from. We know where you can get away from the crowds, where you can see peacocks roaming the gardens, and the best spots for an evening picnic to watch a spectacular sunset.

You can be assured that all our bus drivers and guides are carefully selected – very experienced driving skills, super friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about their wine country backyard. They will always be happy to help you find your way around and make recommendations.

Of course, suppose you want to go your way. In that case, we’re all for that, too – we offer a bus service that runs around the Central Pokolbin region of the Hunter Valley and allows you to hop on and off as you want to, and also an ‘on-demand’ service that can take you almost anywhere in the region, as well as a VIP concierge service where we can tailor a custom itinerary. Contact us for more information. We’re here to ensure you see as much of this beautiful region as possible in comfort. Don’t forget to stay in touch via Instagram and Facebook, so you can be the first to hear about special offers and new services.

Start and finish your Hunter Valley experience the iHop way

Posted on by iHop Hunter Valley

Whether you want to explore the Hunter Valley at your own pace, take a guided tour or customise your tour, your planning should start with iHop.

iHop Hunter Valley Wine Tours was founded in 2015 by a husband and wife team who were frequent visitors to the region but realised that there were limited affordable transport options.

iHop was first started as a hop-on-hop-off bus service, which still exists. However, over several years the business has expanded and now offers on-Demand Transport Service, Premium Food and Drink Pairing Tours, Half Day Tours, Afternoon & Night Tours, and customised Private and Corporate Tours!

For you, this means three important things:

Number one – you can choose how you want to explore the Hunter Valley – on your own or on a formal tour.

Number two means that you can immerse yourself in the whole experience of the Hunter Valley and partake in the beautiful wines in the region and not be concerned about driving.

Number three – the best bit! When someone else is driving, you can sit back and relax and enjoy the region’s stunning views.

Taking a tour

If you’re in the region for a few days, you’ll have the luxury of enjoying a lot of what’s on offer, but if your time is limited, then a tour can be a great option. Our ‘Sample the Hunter Half Day Tour with Lunch‘ offers all the highlights of the beautiful region and operates 5 Days a Week – Thursday to Monday.

The Taste ‘n’ Graze Tour, which is all about the palette, pairing some of the region’s most famous wines with food, runs 4 Days a Week – Thursday to Sunday.

And we offer the Wine & Fork Twilight Tour, an exceptional experience at dusk, 3 Days a Week – Thursday, Friday, and Saturdays. Bookings are a must!

Private groups and corporates now also have the option of customising a tour, with options to suit any budget. The friendly iHop staff is happy to help you decide which wineries and activities will serve your guests. There’s so much more to explore than just the cellar doors, from internationally renowned and boutique wineries, microbreweries, and casual through to fine dining venues, cheese shops, chocolatiers, art galleries, shopping villages, fun things just for the kids, hot air balloon adventures, and much more.

Local knowledge

We know all the popular places and a few hidden gems too. With more than 180 wineries, getting the right advice when planning your trip can mean you’ll make the most of your stay.

Transport on demand!

To make getting around the region even easier, iHop has launched iHopGO – a transport service that will get you where you want to go, when you want to go there, all for one flat fee per trip. Whether it’s just to and from a restaurant, or a full day out, the iHopGo team will be there to drive you.

VIP Concierge Service

Of course, if you’re unsure where you want to go, we can help you plan a perfect day out. Our VIP Concierge Service can be tailored to your needs.

Your comfort and safety are our top priority, so our fleet is well maintained and clean. We also offer complimentary storage and cooler boxes on board, so any goodies you collect along the way won’t be spoilt by the time you get back home. Talk to us about tours, transport, or special transfers to get you around the Hunter Valley. Our website has information about each of the tours we offer currently, although we’re always dreaming up new ways to help visitors get a taste of this beautiful region. So stay in touch via Instagram, and Facebook, or subscribe to our newsletter via our website, so you can be the first to hear about special offers and new services.

What to do This Coming Winter in the Hunter Valley!

Posted on by iHop Hunter Valley

If you’re lacking in ideas on how to spend those cooler weekends, the Hunter Valley offers an array of activities that are fun for the whole family. Whether it’s family time, or sitting by a crackling fire with a red in hand, we have your winter itinerary covered!  The Hunter Valley has loads of fun this winter for you to enjoy! Winter in the Hunter Valley is a magical time, with many fun activities for the whole family.

For The Kids

Winter in the Hunter Valley is a perfect time to bring the kids for some family fun. Whether this be lapping up the beauty of the Hunter Valley Gardens, shopping in the Gardens Village or even visiting the winter-themed attractions targeted towards families! Every winter, the Hunter Valley hosts a family-fun event called Snow Time in the Gardens. This icy adventure is full of fun activities for the kids and even adults who love winter! If parking is an issue for you, be sure to hop on with iHop to get easy access to and from this family-fun fest to ensure a day of fun in the sun (and snow!) for your family.

Kids can play in the snow play zone, and get a taste of what it’s like to play in snow! With the fun of creating snowmen, or having a snowball fight, the snow in the snow play zone is always ready for your snow-playing fun! If that’s not enough, why not toboggan down the ice luge, racing down the 45-metre luge which will surely leave you with a smile on your face, or go for a skate on the indoor ice skating rink 

For the Big Kids (Adults)

This winter, grab a seat on the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and wine-hop between some of the best wineries around Pokolbin that the Hunter Valley has to offer. Create your customised day, cruising between wineries, getting a taste test of some of the best wines the Hunter Valley has to offer. Having a designated driver looking after you, there’s no need to stress about getting from winery to winery and tasting your way around the Hunter Valley. Winter in the Hunter Valley is the perfect time to sample some of the Hunter Valley’s best wines, so why not make a day of it and warm you up on a cold winter’s day. If wine isn’t for you, no need to worry, there’s plenty of breweries and eateries that you can stop in to get your fix! If you’re wanting to do something special, why not hop on a hot air balloon at sunrise, watching the sun rise over the beauty that is the Hunter Valley. With many accommodations boasting around the Hunter Valley, why not treat yourself to a glorious day spa treatment or just relax with a cheese plate and glass of wine in hand.

Events

Every June the Hunter Valley is home to the Hunter Valley Food and Wine festival; a place full of all the best food and wine that the Hunter Valley has to offer, all in one place. There are also many different food and wine events taking place at the cellar doors and restaurants around the region. Winter is a wonderful time to visit and warm up with a hearty glass of red in front of a toasty fire, and enjoy the delicious delicacies of the Valley under the crisp blue winter sky. 

Even though the vineyards are dormant over the winter months, there’s still plenty of things to do in the Hunter Valley in Winter, with loads of fun for both kids and adults. Why not add the Hunter Valley to your winter bucket list, and jump on-board an iHop bus or tour to get you around!

Check out the Hunter Valley’s official tourism site and start planning your Winter in the Hunter Valley for 2022. 

Chocolate Tasting in the Hunter Valley

Posted on by iHop Hunter Valley

Love chocolate? Love beautiful scenery and nature? Sounds like a chocolate tour in the Hunter Valley is right up your alley. With many chocolate companies, and cellar doors to choose from, you can eat all the best chocolate the Hunter Valley has to offer to your heart’s content. 

Tours with Chocolate

If you’re not from the area, and want the ease of having the day planned out for you, we can satisfy your sweet tooth, and allow you to have a chocolate coma without the stress of driving! With our Taste ‘n’ Graze tour, a day full of wine tastings and food pairings, is perfect for those craving a sweet and savoury flavour day.

After a delightful tasting of cheese and wine pairings at a boutique cellar door, your next stop is for all those chocolate and wine lovers. With arisitan chocolate pairings for each wine, the flavour palette of the two are a tasting sensation you don’t want to miss.

Chocolate Tasting

Chocolate tasting in the Hunter Valley is incredibly popular, with a wide variety of chocolate stores to satisfy your chocolate cravings. With iHop offering an On-Demand Bus service and Hop-On Hop-Off Bus around Central Pokolbin, finding your way to these chocolate venues couldn’t be easier. Stop off at the Shopping Village in the Hunter Valley Gardens located at Hop 6 and explore the choice of local shops before stopping for a chocolate tasting and lollies at the British Lolly Shop.

If that wasn’t enough to hit that chocolate sweet spot, don’t fret, there are many more chocolate shops to visit. The Hunter Valley Chocolate Company is the perfect place for your chocolate tasting needs. With three locations, the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company has all your chocolate and fudge needs to satisfy your sweet tooth. At Twenty-3-Twenty, you are able to watch head chocolatier Peter make the artisan sweets before your very eyes, before indulging yourself in the sweet pleasure of trying these handmade treats.

Festivals

If festivals are more your thing, be sure to check out the Cheese and Chocolate Festival held every July in the Hunter Valley to satisfy your chocolate tasting and cheese tasting needs. Not only does this event boast some of the best beer and wines Hunter Valley has to offer, but is a day dedicated to tasting the best cheese and chocolate found in the Hunter Valley. If chocolate tasting in the Hunter Valley with a wine (or beer!) in hand is your guilty pleasure, this festival is the perfect place for you. With various options to choose from, and multiple stores to sample tastings at, this festival is for the cheese and chocolate lovers who want to try them all!

While the Hunter Valley has loads to offer for your chocolate tasting needs, we recommend trying a guided chocolate and wine pairing experience. Chocolate tasting in the Hunter Valley will be sure to satisfy your sweet cravings, so why not try some of the best chocolate treats the Hunter Valley has to offer; whether you experience onboard a tour or making your own way there.

Hunter Valley Tour For Everyone

Posted on by iHop Hunter Valley

A tour through the Hunter Valley is a great way to explore the best of the region and visit beautiful destinations on offer, while sipping on premium wines and eating delicious food. What could be better? But what’s more, a Hunter Valley tour is a great way to experience the best of the region all in the one excursion and meet some new people along the way. Whether you’re looking for a memorable corporate or team building exercise, celebrating a special occasion with friends and family or on holiday with your significant other, or traveling solo, visiting the Hunter Valley is a must do bucket list item!

Hunter Valley by Day

Pokolbin is in the heart of the Hunter Valley wine region and a perfect location for you to sample some fantastic quality local wines and produce. There are many surrounding micro wine regions in Lovedale, Broke, Wollombi and the Upper Hunter Valley. The Hunter region boasts internationally renowned wineries, boutique micro-breweries and distilleries, many dining options, cheese makers, chocolatiers, gift shops and much more. To explore the Pokolbin region’s many attractions jump on-board iHop’s Hop-On Hop-Off Bus service and customise your own Hunter Valley experience. 

There are some wonderful places to lunch in the Hunter Valley, perfect for day trippers and holidaymakers alike. Estates and restaurants offer a casual through to fine dining experience to suit any occasion. There is no better way to experience these than with iHop’s Taste ‘n’ Graze tour, making your way through boutique cellar doors tasting selected premium wines, paired with delicious cheese plates, chef’s tasting plates, artisan chocolates all capped off with a distillery tasting of locally made spirits.

Grazing your way through the Hunter Valley, you can experience plenty of well-established places offering tapas, small plates and woodfired pizza options for the casual diner. Whatever you opt for you can expect to be treated to quality locally sourced produce prepared by passionate Chefs, while enjoying quality wine to match in a beautiful and serene wine country setting.

Don’t forget to leave room for dessert! Get your sweet fix at one of the many chocolate shops or gelato offerings. Featured at Hop 1 – Pokolbin Village Shops, Hop 2 – Roche Estate, Hop 5 – Ben Ean and Hop 6 – at the Shopping Village in the Hunter Valley Gardens via the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus.

Hunter Valley by Night

If you are more of a night-owl, the Hunter Valley has a range of options after the sun goes down. Don’t miss iHop’s Wine and Fork Twilight tour, which offers a great way to explore the Hunter Valley after dark in an all-inclusive tour experience. Indulge in the delights of a guided wine tasting paired with local cheeses visiting a couple of the region’s boutique cellar doors, before settling in for a 2-course dinner at one of the locals favourite dining destinations.

There are many bars, pubs and restaurants in the area that will appeal to all tastes and preferences, whether you are looking for a family friendly venue, casual dining options or a 2 Chef hatted restaurant to celebrate your special occasion or that long awaited trip away you have been planning for sometime, there are many cuisine options throughout the Hunter Valley leaving you spoilt for choice!

So much more than wine!

For all the non-wine drinkers out there, make sure to check out Pokolbin Cider House. Opt for a tasting paddle to sample some local and unique cider flavours. There For all the non-wine drinkers out there, there’s plenty of craft beers and spirits to sample! Check out a selection of bespoke microbreweries, some offering masterclasses in all things hops and brews for those looking to learn something new while enjoying a cold one. Explore all the local breweries and distilleries via the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus or On-Demand Bus and enjoy your tastings with a view of the scenic countryside.

Whether you want to improve your knowledge about different wines, indulge in some delicious food or prefer to sample the local craft beers or distilleries, there is something for everyone to enjoy at the Hunter Valley. To find out more about getting around the beautiful Hunter Valley aboard iHop visit: https://ihophuntervalley.com.au/

Why a Hunter Valley Getaway Should be your next Holiday!

Posted on by iHop Hunter Valley

Though the Hunter Valley is one of the smallest wine growing regions in Australia, it produces some of the most highly-acclaimed wines worldwide. The region is home to many historic characteristics, with some wineries dating back to family lineages from the 1800’s. This rich heritage can be viewed and experienced on one of iHop’s guided wine tours and makes for an amazing Hunter Valley getaway.

The Hunter Valley is conveniently located, the drive is just two hours from Sydney and 50 minutes from Newcastle Airport. For the rest of Australia, the Hunter Valley is now even more accessible. You can take a direct flight from almost every major city into Newcastle Airport such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra and the Gold Coast. You can find yourself immersed in rustic charm and hospitality in a matter of hours.

Explore Vineyards, Wineries & Cellar Doors

The Hunter Valley is home to more cellar doors than any other wine region in Australia, with over 180 cellar doors in the region. They range from global award-winning wineries to lesser known hidden gems, all producing a varied range of products. This means there is no shortage of options for you to experience. One of the best parts of wine tasting on your Hunter Valley getaway is discovering a hidden gem and new found favourite wine.

To expand your knowledge and experience on the variety of products to come from the Hunter Region, you can join a wine tour that specifically focuses on wine and food pairing (even some beer recommendations for those who prefer or want to try both). iHop’s ‘Taste ‘n’ Graze’ pairing tour takes you on a journey sampling some of the finest local wines, cheeses, craft beers, whisky, chocolates and chef tasting plates all while teaching you which types of drinks pair well with the foods you are tasting.

What better way to learn about Food and Drink pairing than from internationally renowned wineries and restaurants?

Foodie Lovers Haven

As for the fine dining in the area, there are a myriad of restaurants and cafes to suit your taste buds. Muse Restaurant is one of the most highly regarded and acclaimed restaurants in the region and is a must try on your Hunter Valley getaway. They have maintained a Chef Hat status each year since 2011 and in 2015 to present, they have been awarded Two Chef Hats.

Other notable Hatted restaurants include; Restaurant Botanica, Bistro Molines, Circa 1876, Muse Kitchen and EXP Restaurant. The Hop-On Hop-Off service and iHopGO On-Demand Bus can transport you to most of these locations to enjoy a leisurely long lunch and unforgettable dining experience amongst the vines.

Hands On Wine & Cooking Schools

To learn more about the different types of wines and how they are made, The Hunter Valley Resort offers a wine education experience called the ‘Hunter Valley Wine School’ which focuses on everything from growing the grapes, right up to bottling and aging the wine.

The masterclass involves walking through the vineyards, followed by a comprehensive winemaking tutorial with their skilled ‘Cellarmaster’. The experience goes for two hours and can be reached by using transport services such as the iHopGO On-Demand Bus or the Hop-On Hop-Off service stops there at Hop 10 on the Central Pokolbin Loop.

There are also a number of cooking classes to experience on your Hunter Valley getaway, hosted by various estates and restaurants across the region, from an Italian cooking masterclass to cheese making. These fun and interactive cooking classes are a great gift idea or a good way to experience something different as a group or couple on your getaway. 

Accomodation

With many unique and memorable experiences on offer in the Hunter Valley, a day trip is just not long enough to get the most out of your time in this amazing region. Thankfully, there are many great accommodation options suitable for everyone, making the Hunter Valley a perfect getaway for a weekend or longer stay. From luxury resorts to self-contained units and wellness retreats, there is accommodation to suit all budgets and tastes. Many of the estates and hotels in the Hunter Valley offer spa treatments and full day spa experiences, perfect for those looking to relax and unwind from the everyday world or is the perfect treat for that someone special.

A Hunter Valley getaway is the perfect break from the everyday routine and is often described as Disneyland for Adults, offering many Food and Drink related adventures and various other activities. Discover Australia’s oldest wine producing and world renowned wine regions today!

October School Holidays in the Hunter Valley – Your Kid Friendly Tour

Posted on by iHop Hunter Valley

Consider kids activities Hunter Valley style this October. Keeping them busy during the school holidays is tricky. Thinking of fun and engaging ideas to fill two weeks can be such a hassle for parents. 

To cure those school holiday blues, take a trip with iHop Hunter Valley and tick these fun kids activities Hunter Valley has to offer off your bucket list!

Sweet Tooth Treats: We all know that kids love sweet stuff! Whether it be chocolate, ice cream, lollies or a mix of all three, watch your little one’s delight as they visit these

Pokolbin Chocolate Co – Pokolbin Village (Hop 4)
Pokolbin Chocolate Co provides a mixture of old and new chocolate products like their famous rocky road or yummy white chocolate honeycomb clusters. Individual chocolates also come in fun shapes like penguins, shells, hedgehogs, golf balls and more! Make sure to have a taste of their specialty home made fudge which come in  a range of delectable flavour. 

photo credit – Trip Advisor

Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop / Hunter Valley Gelato Company  (Hop 5)
Just a quick ride on the bus to reach Hop 5 and we are only a short distance from the Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop. While the impressive selection of international delicatessen cheese may not entice the kids, the extensive Gelato selection certainly will. 

The Hunter Valley Gelato Company makes gelato using traditional, imported Italian ingredients and a 200 year old recipe! With over 200 gelato flavours made on site including dairy free, vegan and gluten free options, your tastebuds will surely be tempted. 

British Lolly Shop – Hunter Valley Garden Village (Hop 6)
After another quick trip on the iHop bus, you will reach the Hunter Valley Garden Village and more importantly, the British Lolly Shop. Selling all of your old school favourites direct from the UK, this store will remind you of your childhood.

Take a moment to revel in your adolescence and take a photo with the lifesize toy guards watching the store. With an extensive range of lollies on offer including sweets, chocolates, fudge, and savoury snacks, you’ll find it hard to choose!

Hunter Honey Hive – Hunter Valley Garden Village (Hop 6)
Parents looking for a healthier sweet treat should give the Hunter Honey Hive a visit. Featuring daily tasting of local honey’, this location acts as a shop as well as a great learning experience for the kids. 

Accessible through the Ye Olde General Store & Pokolbin Farm Shop, the store stocks an extensive range of honey products from Australia and New Zealand including cosmetics, medicinal products, candles, ice creams, honeycomb and themed giftware.

Hunter Valley Exploration: Now that the kids are full of sugar and bouncing off the walls, it’s a great time to burn off some energy. Head to Hop 3 to start your adventure!

Hunter Valley Vintage Wings (16 minute walk from Hop 3)
While this destination requires a small walk from Hop 3, it is definitely worth your while. Hunter Valley Vintage Wings specialise in vintage, open cockpit adventure flight experiences that the whole family can enjoy. 

Take in the majestic views of the Hunter Valley from above in a 1940’s Tigermoth or 1956 Winjeel plane. Anyone over 8 years old is able to experience the rush of flying in an open cockpit plane as it would have felt 75 years ago.

However, if you prefer to keep your feet on the ground, visit the Museum Information Sessions where you can learn the history of these unique, vintage aircraft for free. 

Hunter Valley Gardens (Hop 6)
At Hop 6 we reach the Hunter Valley Gardens, an obvious choice for some school holiday fun. With a range of activities on offer including the Storybook Garden, Carnival Rides, Aqua Golf and Putt Putt, you’ll never run out of things to do. 

Featuring timeless nursery rhyme characters, the Storybook Garden is a fun and whimsical experience for all ages. Life size characters and murals lead you through the garden and provide excellent photo opportunities. 

Carnival rides became new additions to the Hunter Valley Gardens in 2017 and are open to the public during special events and school holidays. These rides, including the swing chair, ferris wheel, carousel and superslide, can create hours of fun for both the young and the young at heart.

Practice your swing at Aqua Golf and Putt Putt within the Hunter Valley Gardens. Hit the golf ball into the lake and win prizes for hitting floating targets! Boasting great value for money, you can purchase one bucket of balls at Aqua Golf and 18 holes of Putt Putt for just $12.

After a long day of eating and exploring your way through the Hunter Valley, it’s time to relax. Why not book the iHop Twilight Dinner Tour where you can unwind over a wine tasting and 2-Course dinner. 

We hope explaining these kids activities Hunter Valley has to offer provides more insight into what this amazing region has to offer. It’s not just for adults!

Find our more about iHop Hunter Valley Twilight & Night Tours and other Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours here.