Wānaka Police will not prosecute any of the taxi drivers accused of price gouging during the New Year’s period.

A number of complaints were received by Wānaka Police around New Year’s complaining about customers being overcharged by taxi drivers from out of town.

Wānaka Police acting senior sergeant Kim Chirnside told the Wānaka App the investigation did not lead to any prosecutions. 

“Police investigated this matter and found that there was insufficient evidence to prosecute any parties,” she said. 

Complaints were made to Wānaka Police after customers agreed to a fixed price with taxi drivers but were later charged at a higher rate. PHOTO: Supplied

In several of the complaints received by police, the drivers and customers had agreed to a fixed price but the customers were then charged at a higher price when the Eftpos transaction was put through, Kim said. 

Some locals aired their grievances on social media at the time, citing examples such as people being told they would be charged $30 but finding the next day they were charged an additional $100.

One person was charged $100 to go from the Pembroke Park skatepark to Albert Town; another was charged $230 from Wānaka to Glendhu Bay. 

None of the locally owned taxi companies - Wanataxi, KT Taxis and Yello - were accused of being involved with the price gouging.

Kim would not elaborate on the investigation.

She said Wānaka Police would keep a close eye on taxi activity this summer.

“Police [are] aware of a group of taxi drivers coming to the Southern Lakes area specifically for the New Year period and will be monitoring this group during the next New Year period.”