Hunter Valley from Newcastle cruise dock?

Has anyone just gotten off the ship, negotiated with a taxi/van driver and had a good Hunter Valley wine tasting day? We will be in port from 0800 to 1800. Any suggestions as to cost per car or per person? Any suggestions as to which wineries to visit? We're interested in visiting some of the smaller mom & pop wineries - not the big ones that all the tourists go to.

I dont like your chances of just getting off and negotiating a tour. Its a fair way and if your ship sails at 6pm , timing would be critical. You would not want to be caught up in traffic on your return.

One place you could enquire with is Boutique Day tours. We had friends who used them and they were very pleased. They did not go as far as you are planning though.

http://sydneyboutiquetours.com.au/

Def have to book a tour beforehand. A taxi will be very expensive, and I doubt very much they would negotiate a price for the day.

Have a look at these two tour operators.....

http://www.huntervineyardtours.com.au and http://www.textours.com.au No experience with either, as the vineyards are within driving distance for us here, but I have heard their names, and do know they do tours from Newcastle every day. Google is a good option too, but again, skip the idea of a taxi.

Since two locals suggest I skip the taxi/van idea I think I'll skip the taxi/van idea :) Thanks.

Def have to book a tour beforehand. A taxi will be very expensive, and I doubt very much they would negotiate a price for the day.

Have a look at these two tour operators.....

http://www.huntervineyardtours.com.au and http://www.textours.com.au No experience with either, as the vineyards are within driving distance for us here, but I have heard their names, and do know they do tours from Newcastle every day. Google is a good option too, but again, skip the idea of a taxi.

Several years ago, we were on a ship that called at Newcastle and I had made arrangements for a group to tour with Tex. We had a great day. Tex is a real character. Granted it's been a few years, but I'll bet he is still a delight! As I recall, he'll give you a list of wineries from which to choose in advance.