Out-of-town taxi drivers have once again targeted Wānaka during the festive season, and locals have reported being quoted exorbitant prices for rides.

Reports include people being quoted $450 for a ride from Rhythm & Alps (Cardrona Valley) into Wānaka on December 31.

One group of six paid $125 each for a ride - a total of $750 for the carload.

An out-of-town company charged a teenage girl $186 for a five kilometre taxi ride, according to a report on social media.

A police spokesperson told the Wānaka App they had also received a report of a purported taxi owner “taking money ahead of time and not delivering the promised ride”.

“Police are generally aware there can be people this time of year in the Wānaka and Queenstown areas who look to take advantage of visitors to the area by charging them exorbitantly for a taxi or car service,” the spokesperson said.

“Often, these can be civil matters rather than criminal – as they can ultimately relate to a breach of contract – however, people can report matters to police via 105 for assessment.”

Legitimate taxis must have an operator’s licence; the driver needs to have an ID card; the vehicle has to have a COF; and the taxis must have a meter. 

Wānaka’s Yello Taxis owner Ramash Swamy has told the Wānaka App some taxi businesses target towns like Wānaka which host events during the summer.

Yello, a local company which has been operating for more than ten years, has a set pricing structure for fares.

PHOTO: Noel Tock