None of the big rideshare companies have ever operated in the Whitianga or Coromandel area, and visitors have sometimes been left wondering about this.
We are none of them either, but have now teamed up with TaxiCaller, which provides an app similar to the ones mentioned above. We are currently trialling this system. If it works well for you and us, the plan is to permanently use it.
Earn credits - get free rides!
Join our free loyalty scheme and start earning credits towards free rides with us. It's simple and completely free of charge, all you need to do is set up an account with us, and every taxi ride using the TaxiCaller app counts towards your first free ride. There is no catch - it's simply our way to thank you! Tap here for more detail.
Better for the environment, better for your wallet:
Did you know that by using our taxi, you are doing the environment a favour? Coromandel Nature Tours is the first (and so far only*) taxi service in Whitianga / Mercury Bay that uses a low-emission hybrid-electric car.
Our taxi fares are structured and fixed - there will be no surprises at the end of your ride. The moment you confirm your booking, you know how much you will be charged.
Just like every other tour or transport service, we only have limited availability, and when we are fully booked, we cannot accept any more passengers. If you know in advance that you are going to need us, secure your ride early, no matter if it's an Auckland airport transfer or just a short trip from your home to the supermarket.
Not 24/7 - so how do I know if is this service is available?
Simply log into your TaxiCaller app account and set your desired pick up and drop off location and time. If we are available, our Taxi (Coromandel Nature Tours) will show at the bottom of the screen as we as the price for the trip, meaning we are on duty and available.
Most days you will find us working during the day (anywhere between 8 am and 7pm), but not during the night. View hours and close-out dates here.
How does TaxiCaller work?
Once you have downloaded and installed TaxiCaller on your mobile device, you need to create an account.
Then you can sign in.
Register your credit card, and you are ready to book your first ride which you can pay directly and contactless through the app.
We are currently working on a step-by-step guide on how to use the app with all its functions. Please like us on facebook or follow us on Instagram so you don't miss it being published. Or check back here regularly.
Some questions and answers about fares, payments and such:
Q: Can I pay for my ride by credit card? A: Yes, but only through the TaxiCaller app. You must first register your credit card with the app.
Q: Can I pay for my ride with eftpos? A: No, we do not currently accept any card payments, except for credit card payments through the app.
Q: Can I pay for my ride in cash? A: Yes. When booking over the phone or hailing a ride, cash is in fact the only form of payment we currently accept.
Q: Do I know the cost of the ride before making a booking? A: Yes, our rates are fixed and shown on the app before you confirm your booking.
Q: Do I have to register a credit card to use the app, as with Uber for example? A: No, you don't, but we highly recommend it, as you will otherwise only be able to pay in cash.
Q: Why does the app not show a price for a trip from Whitianga to Hahei? A: Hahei is outside our taxi zoning area. Please find rates for long distance trips here.
Q: I need to cancel my booking. Will I still get charged? A: This depends. Read our terms and conditions for information related to booking cancellations.
Not confident using the app? Call us on 021-155 55 58
* as of December 2022 all other registered taxi and private hire businesses in the greater Whitianga area are using diesel and petrol powered vehicles only.
