The first airport in New Zealand to welcome Uber

Wellington Airport has become the first airport in New Zealand to welcome Uber after reaching an agreement with the ride-sharing company.

Travellers can be dropped off at the airport by an Uber driver-partner and a pickup zone will be available from midday on Friday 1 September.

The decision follows the passage of the Land Transport Amendment Bill which recognises ride-sharing services, like Uber, as part of New Zealand’s land transport regulatory framework.

Greg Thomas, spokesman for Wellington Airport, said: “We’re pleased to reach agreement with Uber and be the first airport to add ride-sharing to our ground transport services.

“This is another example of how we are making transport to and from the airport easy and convenient for travellers.

“This means even greater options for travellers which already include a highly efficient bus service, shuttles, taxi, motorcycle and bicycle access, along with 10 minutes free pick up and drop off.

“We’re also investing in a $70 million transport hub and multi-level car park undercover right next to the terminal, which is due to open in June 2018. Finding a park on busy days isn't always easy, but that will be addressed by the new car park building and we are adding more car parking spaces to the South of the terminal from late October this year. We are also committed to continuing to offer discounted day parking in our long-term parking facilities when booking online.”

Uber New Zealand General Manager, Richard Menzies, said: “This is a win for consumer choice, tourism and the Wellington travelling public. Uber is an app trusted by tens of millions of customers from more than 70 different countries across the world, and we’re pleased visitors and locals will now have seamless access to the service at Wellington Airport.”

Passengers using Uber can now be dropped off in the public drop-off area on Level 1, and from September 1, passengers can meet their driver in the new pick-up zone on the Ground Floor.

Wellington Airport will charge drivers drop-off and pick-up fees of $3 - the same as taxi and private hire operators, with Uber collecting this fee on behalf of Wellington Airport.