As the festive season jingles closer, Uber unwraps its annual rider ratings to reveal who has been sleigh-ing their Uber etiquette – and who might be finding a lump of coal in their stocking this Christmas.  

Uber rider ratings have become a part of Kiwi banter, sparking conversations at backyard BBQs, summer road trip yarns, and even online dating profiles. Whether you’re trying for a perfect five-star rating or hoping for a New Year’s redemption, it’s time to see where you land on Santa’s list. 

With many Kiwis dashing to social outings this silly season, this year’s rider ratings come as a timely reminder to keep things merry and considerate. 

Santa’s verdict

Kiwis have been on their best behaviour this year, with an unchanged annual national average rider rating of 4.88— still beating out our mates across the ditch, who sit at 4.82. But, like the twinkling lights on a Christmas tree, not all cities shine equal. 

In the act of a Christmas miracle, Dunedin has come out on top for the second year in a row, boasting an average rider rating of 4.93. While Aucklanders once again claimed the Grinch title with an average rider rating just below the national average of 4.87. 

Curious to see if your city made the Nice List or the Naughty List? Find out below and start brushing up on your Uber manners —after all, nobody wants to be the Grinch of rideshares!

Average Rider Rating in New Zealand  

  1. Dunedin – 4.93  
  1. Palmerston North – 4.91  
  1. New Plymouth – 4.90  
  1. Nelson – 4.90  
  1. Napier-Hastings – 4.90  
  1. Hamilton – 4.90  
  1. Tauranga – 4.90  
  1. Christchurch – 4.89  
  1. Queenstown – 4.88  
  1. Wellington – 4.88   

————————-National Average: 4.88  

  1. Auckland- 4.87 – still the naughtiest!

How to check your Uber Rider Rating (we heard Santa checks his twice)  

  1. Make sure you’ve got the latest version of the Uber app  
  1. Open the app and tap Account (bottom right)  
  1. Your star rating is waiting for you in the top left corner  

If you want to further unwrap your rider rating, head to our Privacy Centre where you can see how many times you’ve earned a perfect 5-star rating from drivers. Just follow these simple steps:  

  1. In the settings menu, tap Privacy and then Privacy Centre  
  1. In the Privacy Centre, on the “Would you like to see a summary of how you use Uber?” tile, click on “See summary”  
  2. Scroll down to Ratings and tap on “View my ratings” to see the breakdown   

How to take your rider rating from slack to sleigh  

No one likes a Scrooge, especially Uber driver-partners who share their time and vehicles with riders. Whether it’s dashing home from your Christmas BBQ or prancing to the shops for last minute gifts, good passenger etiquette is always appreciated. We asked Uber driver partners to share their tips on how to be a good passenger this summer and work your way up Santa’s nice list. We believe in you, Auckland!  

  1. Be ready to dash(er): Driver-partners love it when riders are ready to dash as soon as they arrive, just like Santa’s reindeer on Christmas Eve. Make sure your pick-up location matches where you’ll be—no one wants to waste precious holiday minutes. 
  1. Don’t be a Grinch: Whether you’re feeling festive or enjoying a Silent Night, a warm “hello” and “thank you” go a long way. Driver-partners often say that small gestures of kindness make their day brighter—especially during the busy holiday season. 
  1. Keep the sleigh sparkling: Santa’s sleigh might survive a cookie crumb or two, but Uber vehicles are better off clean. Keep the holiday cheer alive by taking your rubbish and belongings with you. It’s a small gift to the next rider—and your driver will thank you for it! 
  1. Gentle as a snowflake: The excitement of arriving at your destination can make anyone feel like a kid on Christmas morning, but slamming the door? That’s on the naughty list. Gently closing the door keeps your rating merry and bright. 
  2. All They Want for Christmas is a Little R-E-S-P-E-C-T: Just like Aretha Franklin, driver-partners want respect for their time and their vehicles. Treat every Uber ride like Santa’s sleigh—handle it with care and spread goodwill. Uber’s Community Guidelines remind us all to keep rides safe, respectful, and filled with holiday cheer. 

Respect is a two-way street, and Uber only works when it’s beneficial for both riders and driver partners. That’s why we encourage feedback from both sides, asking riders and drivers to rate their rides and help enhance the Uber experience for everyone. You can learn more about Uber’s two-way rating system here.  

If your personal rating isn’t quite jingling your bells, remember it’s based on your last 500 trips—so whether you’ve been naughty or nice, there’s always room for improvement, not just over the 12 days of Christmas, but 365 days a year.  

Happy holidays, Aotearoa, and remember: good manners make for smooth rides and a merrier season for all!