John Bacarro

Review of Abel Tasman Aquataxi

I love NZ and the ATNP. Have travelled here 10X si...

I love NZ and the ATNP. Have travelled here 10X since 2002. People, natural wilderness, experiences have always been spectacular. Yesterday, I walked from Marahau to Te Pukatea / Anchorage with my host scheduling my return on an Aqua Taxi. Ride arrived on time, full boat. One seat under the protective canopy still left so I took that seat. Boat driver (elderly man) told me to move up front where a DOC member kindly offered her seat. When everyone was aboard, driver came up front and told me to return to the back so the DOC member could keep her original seat. Problem being my original seat was now taken by someone not scheduled on this trip. I had to sit in the very back most likely getting wet during the trip. Fortunately, the wind was calm and I got through without problem. After boat ride back to Marahau, driver asked if we got wet and I replied "Not at all." When I disembarked from the boat I thanked him and he did not even have the decency to say anything kind. He spoke nicely to all the other passengers aboard when they departed. The rudeness and lack of professional behavior by this driver will definitely come back on him. I will just avoid using Aqua Taxi on any of my visits to ATNP.