2023 has been a big year in New Zealand – a new Government, an All Blacks final in France, and a Taylor Swift tour announcement reaching our shores. While this was all happening, Uber has continued to help Kiwis go anywhere, and get anything. For the 1.7 million Kiwis using the Uber app, this year they could choose to take a greener ride, plan ahead in more Cities with Uber Reserve, and even book a trip for a guest rider.

As we reach the end of the year, we’ve wrapped the key milestones for Uber rides in New Zealand across 2023. 

A snapshot of journeys 

Our platform helped riders travel everywhere across Aotearoa – from Rotorua to Auckland, and Nelson to Christchurch, with the longest trip of 2023 being over 428 kilometres!

The most popular day to take a ride came as no surprise – 28 October, the same day the All Blacks fought hard to take home glory in France. 

A spotlight on driver-partners

At Uber, we know that the magic only exists because of the 22,000 Kiwi driver-partners that use our platform.

Gordy Chaffey is a favourite for riders in Wellington, and has kept a perfect five star rating all year. He says the key to a perfect rating is giving passengers a memorable experience.

“I always like to add that extra ‘wow’ factor to all my rides – I give out mints, have TV displays set up and play music that everyone loves, to make the rides memorable,” says Gordy. “My bright yellow car is now well-known around Wellington. Driving with Uber has also given me a lot of opportunities. I’ve even landed a writing opportunity for a TV show after driving a producer.”

Uber New Zealand General Manager, Emma Foley, says “The numbers speak for themselves – it has been an outstanding year for Uber New Zealand, with some milestone launches that we are very proud of,” 

“For the first time this year Kiwis could choose to ride with Uber more sustainably with the launch of Uber Green and we made steps to make it easier for driver partners to transition to electric vehicles through our EV subsidy programme. More riders could plan ahead with our book now, ride later feature Uber Reserve, and even book a ride for friends or family through the new Guest Rider feature.

“The new year will bring the launch of even more new features as our technology expands to deliver even more convenience across Aotearoa.”  

By the numbers – a summary of key 2023 data: 

  • The most rides taken by one rider: 1097
  • The longest trip taken: 428 kilometres from Tokoroa to Lower Hutt 
  • Most popular day to ride: 28 October, as Kiwis prepared for the All Blacks final in France 

-ENDS-