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.

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.

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!

Things To Do in Pokolbin

Posted on by iHop Hunter Valley

So you are here in Pokolbin surrounded by the natural beauty of rolling vineyards… but you don’t necessarily drink wine? Don’t worry, you are certainly not alone!

Customers often ask us what are some other things to do in Pokolbin, the heart of Australia’s oldest wine producing region? The Hunter Valley is not just all about wine tasting, offering a varied range of activities and things to do. In fact, this beautiful location boasts a lot more variety than you might think. So much so that we decided to write a blog post offering some local tips and insights!

Read on to discover what else you can get up to on your non-wine drinking trip to this famous region.

Transport Activities

Pokolbin is a place full of fun and entertaining activities for all! Whether you want to take in everything the great outdoors has to offer – hiking, horse riding, bike riding and the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus are all great ways to get around and see the area. Or if you fancy something a bit different – see the Hunter Valley from a birds eye view with a bespoke helicopter flight or hot air balloon ride that delivers breathtaking views and a memorable experience. These are just some of the most popular transport activities to do in Pokolbin.

Horse Riding

There are plenty of horse riding options available in the Hunter Valley including tours for beginners up to advanced riders, private tours for families, a romantic trip or corporate events – all with different durations and price points. So whatever the occasion and budget, horse riding through the vineyards is such a wonderful and unique experience to get amongst the vines and take in some beautiful scenery.

Take to the Skies

A helicopter or hot air balloon ride is a must do way to see the Hunter Valley. Helicopter flights  offer various experiences available to suit your travel preference and budget. Whether you’re just interested in a snap shot scenic flight or want to fly to different locations, there are many tailor made options to make your experience truly special. Alternatively jump aboard a hot air balloon ride departing at sunrise to catch a glimpse of the early morning local wildlife and glowing vineyards in all their glory.

On Ya Bike

There are a few bicycle hire companies in Pokolbin, providing guided tours or private hires from half to full days, suiting a variety of needs. Electric bikes are available for those wanting a more laid back ride or wanting to cover off a longer distance, and push bikes for those looking to exert some energy and enjoy that well earnt drink and leisurely lunch along the way.

Entertain the Kids

Looking for some family friendly activities? You couldn’t be in a better place with all the things to do in Pokolbin. A popular stop for the entire family is at the Shopping Village and the Hunter Valley Gardens which is located at  Hop 6 – on the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour Depending on the time of year, children and adults will have a great time in the award-winning gardens, engaging in the Magical Storybook or the Christmas Lights Spectacular. Also at this location is Aqua Golf and Putt Putt if you fancy some family-friendly competition. Stay on and enjoy lunch or coffee at the many cafes and wander around the many boutique shops.

There is also the Hunter Valley Zoo, which homes everything from the Wombat and Tasmanian Devil to the Lion and Tortoise. Why not drop in to hand feed a kangaroo, cuddle a koala or reptile and watch the monkeys at play? There are many “meet the animal” encounter experiences also for the entire family to enjoy.

If you fancy doing a handful of activities in the Hunter Valley, it might be worth considering booking the iHopGO On-Demand bus that caters for small to larger groups and can transport you to anywhere in the local area. The service is charged at a flat fee for the group, where you can arrange to be picked up on the next available time, or plan ahead days, weeks or even months in advance.

Shopping!

Why not indulge in tasting some irresistible local artisan chocolates, visit the many local cheese shops and providores and create your own antipasto platter or browse the latest fashion and homewares. You can find all these treats in the Hunter Valley, if you know where to look. Find out more about the shops on offer here.

Events

Many of the vineyards actually utilise their land for hosting music events and concerts, and there’s also annual music events including Opera in the Vineyards in October and Jazz in the Vineyards in November. So be sure to plan ahead and see if there are any events that coincide with the dates that you’ll be in the Valley and experience a truly memorable day or evening out.

There are also a variety of cultural events that pop up over the Hunter Valley throughout the year, including artisan markets, comedy festivals and the Hunter Valley Art Fair in October, that showcases a unique collection of work from local artists.

Of Course There is Beer & Spirits!

We are also home to a range of micro breweries and distilleries that can be visited via iHop’s Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours or On-Demand Bus, so if you feel like sinking a few cold ones, enjoy a brewery lunch or sampling vodka, schnapps, liquors or even rums, checkout all these venues and their locations on our iGuide/Timetable to Central Pokolbin which can be downloaded here.

So by now you know Pokolbin is not just a place to drink wine. There are plenty of amazing activities and things to do for all ages. If you don’t have transportation to get you to your activities or like the idea of having a local, designated driver, iHop Hunter Valley offers a range of transport options for getting around, visiting destinations all over the Hunter Valley Region (not just vineyards).

Sydney Siders Essential Guide to Hunter Valley Wine Tours

Posted on by iHop Hunter Valley

Hunter Valley Wine Tours from Sydney

No matter whether you’re a passionate wine lover, or just a lover of a relaxed tipple with friends and family in gorgeous surrounds, a Hunter Valley wine tour has to be on your bucket list. And the best bit is, if you’re a Sydney local or travelling to the City, Hunter Valley wine tours is within easy reach from Sydney and a must do!

Why choose a Hunter Valley wine tour?

Well, if you’re not familiar with the Hunter Valley, first up you should know that it’s recognised as a world renowned wine destination, with some 150 cellar doors located within the Hunter Valley region. And as you would expect, where there’s great wine, there’s great food, and you certainly won’t be disappointed.

But more than that, the Hunter Valley is also a diverse agricultural centre known for its top produce and stunning natural beauty, as well as a growing crop of distinctive craft breweries and distilleries that are fast capturing international attention.

Add to that a host of great events and shows staged throughout the year and you’ve really got your hands full just trying to make a choice on what to include on your Hunter Valley itinerary.

One of the more practical advantages of the Hunter Valley for locals and travellers alike is its proximity to Sydney. Depending on what transport option you choose, you can find yourself in the heart of Hunter Valley wine country from the Sydney CBD in less than three hours. You’ll find more details later in this article under the section: What’s the best way to get there from Sydney?

Why choose an organised wine tour?

For many people, there are two standout reasons you’d choose an organised Hunter Valley wine tour rather than going it alone.

Firstly, everything is taken care of for you. You can just sit back and relax. There’s no driving, no navigating, no flipping a coin for who’s going to be the designated driver afterwards. Feel free to enjoy a tipple and know you’ll be safe and sound.

Secondly, the knowledge of a local guide can be of great assistance in finding places and enjoying experiences that you might not have known about or stumbled across otherwise. What’s more, in some cases, a good local guide can get special deals and access privileges that may not available to other visitors.

What type of Hunter Valley wine tours are there?

iHop Hunter Valley offers a range of tours that are planned for ease and convenience or, alternatively, the team at iHop specialise in custom corporate Hunter Valley wine tours and events to suit your interests, group size and importantly what you want to see and do.

Your options include a personalised Hop-On Hop-Off bus tours that give the flexibility and independence to experience the Hunter Valley in your own way and at your own pace. There are more than 50 venues that you can choose from to visit.

If you’re also a bit of a foodie, jumping aboard iHop’s Taste ‘n’ Graze tour is a great option. On this tour you not only get to sample great wines, but also the best of the region’s fresh produce and cheeses from the Hunter Valley’s best providores, from fine chocolate to award-winning whisky, you’re going to find it all on this tour. You’ll also pick up a few tips and educational insights on how to best pair food and wine.

iHop’s Hunter Valley Night Tours are another popular tour option. There are two types you can choose from: Wine and Cheese Lover’s Progressive Dinner Tour, or the Taste of the Hunter After Dark Tour.

As the name suggests, the Wine and Cheese Lover’s Progressive Dinner combines tasting the finest wines and cheeses, as well as special treats like a behind-the-scenes peak into a working family winery and learning the art of wine and cheese matching. Afterwards enjoy a 3-course dinner and drinks at a further two award-winning local restaurants.

With the Taste of the Hunter After Dark Tour, you will start with a guided tasting of some of the regions best wines and cheeses. But for a bit of a different take on the Hunter, you’ll sample some the region’s great craft beers and ciders, paired with delicious local bites with an insight into the beer making process at a local boutique brewery, followed with a selection of sumptuous wood-fired pizza’s and sides as you continue your exploration of the Hunter Valley after dark.

Keep in mind that iHop can also cater for custom night corporate and large group tours as well.

What’s the best way to get there from Sydney?

When you’re planning a Hunter Valley wine tour, you have several options for getting there from Sydney.

If you’re travelling by car, getting to the Hunter Valley is easy. Simply follow the main northbound freeway (the A1 or Pacific Highway) from the city and follow the signs. Travelling time is typically around two to three hours.

The train is a good option if you prefer to leave the transport worries to somebody else. Trains to the Hunter Valley vicinity (Singleton and Maitland being the closest stops) and nearby Newcastle leave regularly from Sydney’s Central Station.

iHop offers tour pick up points throughout the local area within the Hunter Valley, depending on the tour option you choose. You’ll find details under each of the tour pages on the website.

What are the accommodation options?

As you would expect there are a plethora of accommodation options in the Hunter Valley and surrounds, both on wineries and off. You’ll find that any good accommodation-booking website will have a host of choices to suit your budget.

If you’re particularly looking for a cost-effective hunter valley wine tours from Sydney, taking the train from Sydney, connecting to the local area and then jumping aboard the iHop Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour is a great budget-friendly option.

You can find out more about iHop’s Hunter Valley wine tour options here.