Duration
9 days /
8 nights
Nine days through
Central Otago.
A hosted small-group pickleball journey through New Zealand wine country — boutique stays, shared tables, and places most people never find on their own.
Overview
Montago,
in practical
terms.
A nine-day, small-group journey for travellers aged 50+ through New Zealand’s Central Otago, Southern Lakes, and Otago Peninsula — blending social pickleball with the best of wine, food, nature, and culture, with scenic transfers and road-trip moments aboard a premium Mercdes-Benz Sprinter.
Location
Central Otago,
Southern Lakes &
Otago Peninsula,
New Zealand
Group Size
10 guests
maximum
Activity Level
From socially active
to athletic
Pickleball
Regular play,
friendly and social
Style
Fully hosted
boutique journey
Designed for curious, like-minded travellers aged 50+ who love pickleball, wine and adventure.
The route
The road unfolds
Nine days. Eight nights. One remarkable region.
Dates
Upcoming journeys
Three departures.
One remarkable season.
February
Long days.
Summer light.
Starry nights.
March
Golden light.
Full tables.
Everything in its stride.
April
Late harvest tones.
Deeper evenings.
A slower rhythm.
Pricing
Your journey.
Your way.
Two ways to experience Montago.
Same itinerary, same experiences,
different way to stay.
Shared Room
$8,995
Includes New Zealand GST (tax)
Two guests travelling together.
Boutique accommodation
with your travel companion.
Private Room
$10,495
Includes New Zealand GST (tax)
Private room throughout.
Your own room at every
boutique property on the journey.
Included with the journey
- Boutique accommodation
- Breakfasts, lunches & dinners
- Complimentary glass of wine at hosted dinners
- Daily activity (e.g. pickleball, cycling)
- Curated experiences
- Wine tastings
- Ground transport throughout the journey
Arranged separately
- International flights
- Domestic flights
- Travel insurance
- Airport-hotel transfers
- Additional alcohol
- Lunch / dinner on Free Day
All prices are listed in USD and include New Zealand GST (tax). Itinerary timings are refined and confirmed closer to departure.
Journey Notes
A few practical details
before you arrive.
- Getting There
- Guests travel independently to Queenstown, New Zealand.
- Flights
- International and domestic flights are not included.
- Airport Pickup
- Queenstown Airport pickup can be arranged separately.
- Travel Insurance
- Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
- Free Day
- One Dunedin Free Day allows guests to explore independently, with optional self-funded activities available.
- Pickleball Expectations
- Pickleball is central to the journey, while play is friendly and social, open to all skill levels.
- Activity Level
- From socially active to athletic.
FAQs
Questions, answered clearly.
General
Do I need to be an advanced pickleball player?
No. The play is social, friendly, and open to players of all levels.
Will Pickleball coaching be available?
Yes. We will provide a certified coach at a minimum of 2 venues to boost your confidence and skill level.
Private coaching can be arranged on request, and any additional pricing will be confirmed with you in advance.
Is pickleball mandatory?
Pickleball is a key part of the experience, but participation is optional. Most guests will be joining specifically because pickleball is part of the journey.
I have never played Pickleball but am keen to join. Do I need to have had some experience prior to the journey?
This is advisable, yes. New players are welcome and will be supported throughout, however some practice games prior to arrival would be beneficial.
How many guests are on each journey?
Each journey is intentionally small, with a maximum of 10 guests.
Are meals included?
Yes. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided daily, except on your Free Day in Dunedin. On the final departure day, breakfast only is included.
Is wine included?
Curated wine tastings are included, and a complimentary glass of wine is included at hosted dinners. Additional alcohol is not included.
Are non-alcoholic beverages provided for those who do not drink wine?
Yes. At all hosted dinners you may swap out the glass of wine for a non-alcoholic drink.
Transport
Are flights included?
No. International and domestic flights are not included.
Are airport-hotel transfers in Queenstown included?
No, however transfers can be arranged at your request. All options and pricing will be confirmed prior to your arrival.
Booking and Payment
How do I reserve my spot on the journey?
We require a 20% non-refundable deposit to secure your spot on the journey.
How do I make payment, and when?
Once your place is confirmed, Montago will provide secure payment details. Payment may be made by bank transfer or major credit card. A 20% non-refundable deposit is due at booking, with the final balance due 90 days before departure.
What is your cancellation policy?
90 days or more before departure: full refund, minus the non-refundable deposit.
45-89 days before departure: 50% of the total journey price is refunded.
Less than 45 days before departure, or after the journey has begun: no refund is available.
In the unlikely event that Montago cancels a journey, you will receive a full refund of all payments made, including any deposit paid.
Cancellations must be made in writing and are calculated from the scheduled departure date.
Is gratuity expected in New Zealand?
No - gratuity is welcomed but not expected.
Is travel insurance required?
We strongly recommend that all guests hold comprehensive travel insurance before departure, including coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical treatment, and medical evacuation. Some Montago experiences take place away from major urban centres, so medical and evacuation cover is especially important.
Montago does not arrange or verify travel insurance. Guests are responsible for ensuring they have suitable coverage for their own circumstances.
Ready to step inside Montago?
Tell us which journey you are interested in, and we will be in touch with details, availability, and next steps.