There have been increasing reports of out of town taxis over-charging people for fares in a repeat of last summer.

Ramash Swamy from Wānaka’s Yello Taxis told the Wānaka App one of the challenges of the annual holiday population increase in Wānaka - when the township swells by another 20,000 or so people - is that local taxi firms are suddenly hit with thousands of calls a night.

“When it’s busy some of our customers have jumped in [to other taxis] and it’s cost them 40 or 50 bucks for a short ride,” he said.

Ramash advised that people check the fares, and where possible use local companies Yello, Wanataxi, and KT Taxis.

Ramash Swamy of Yello. PHOTO: Wānaka App

“Think about alternative ways of making it home, such as parking near town and having a sober driver,” he said.

Wānaka police have also reminded people to plan in advance how they and their friends are getting home at the end of a night out, such as making sure they have a sober driver.

If taking taxis, ensure that your driver charges you a reasonable and appropriate price for your journey, a police spokesperson said.

“Please ensure you agree on a price before you set off, and ensure you have cash, eftpos card or app available to pay for any transport.

“If anyone feels they have been unfairly charged for a taxi ride, please note that this is a civil matter and it’s suggested that people take details of the cab number or make and model or driver’s name and consider making a complaint to the New Zealand Taxi Federation or the Commerce Commission.”

Ramash also asked people to please “be kind” to their local taxi drivers.

He said most people would not put up with someone coming into their workplace and abusing them and being aggressive, but this happens to taxi drivers.

More guidance on taking taxis is available on the Waka Kotahi NZTA website.