Retro taxi cabs to take passengers on mystery rides around Auckland as part of a new campaign by Heart of the City. Photo: SUPPLIED
Retro taxi cabs can be spotted over the next few weeks cruising around parts of Auckland ready to take passengers to a mystery destination for free but only if they can hail them the old fashioned way.
'Straight to the Heart' is a campaign launched by Heart of the City which will see nostalgic taxis around Newmarket, Ponsonby and Takapuna offering spontaneous rides with no apps or bookings to re-wire how people interact with Auckland city centre.
CEO of Heart of the City Viv Beck told Morning Report the campaign was about connecting people with the city in a new way.
"Its really about brining people back here, we've had many years of disruption and were trying to make it really easy for people to reconnect."
"We wanted to make it effortless-no parking stress, no plan needed, just a fun nudge back into the heart of Auckland."
The rides are free but with one catch- eager passengers must hail the cab the old fashioned way. This means standing upright, throwing a hand out with determination and making clear eye contact with the taxi driver who will know what to do from there.
"Stick your hand out, look at the driver and get in," Beck said.
"Ideally you take the mystery destination, there's 10 choices of place and we're pretty sure people will discover things they don't know."
Passengers may be given surprise vouchers to use during their visit; including tickets to Bullrush Improv at Basement Theatre, drinks at an iconic bar, or karaoke with friends, among other selected offerings.
Alongside dining, arts and culture offers there would also be an Urban Art Village display at Britomart by architecture students from around the country. The students will be showcasing imaginative structures on what future streets, buildings and places will look like in the future on 30 and 31 October.
Although part of the experience is the mystery location, passengers can also request a location of their choice within the heart of the city.
"We think there will be a whole lot of people out there that will just enjoy not knowing where they are going and have fun on the way and when they get there."
Beck said the retro cab drivers had been "hand picked" and were some of the city's most experienced taxi drivers. with a wealth of knowledge about a city they love.
Amongst the drivers is Dipa, who had been servicing the central city since 2011 and is known for his encyclopaedic knowledge and undying love for the city,
"I've spent ten years connecting with both Auckland and Aucklanders. I've witnessed everything, the tears, the joy, the Oyster Bay spilt on my carpet. I'm excited to show you the secret corners of the city," he said.
The service will run selected hours from Thursday to Sunday, 30 October until 16 November. Each passenger will be eligible for a $10 credit to return home using a fellow co-op taxi, powered by YourRide.
"This campaign is about rediscovery, connection, and a little bit of surprise, by making it easy to come straight to the heart," Beck said.
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