Uber launches in Auckland: free promo code for $20 discount

Uber has launched in Auckland, although the 'chauffeur on demand' company says it's a limited 'soft launch' ahead of a full city-wide rollout.

Oscar Peppitt, who is heading Uber's first foray into New Zealand, says he unable to give " hard dates on when we expect an official launch".

"We will launch when we've got the product up to the high standard we see around the world" Peppitt tells Australian Business Traveller.

Uber lets you use a simple smartphone app to book and pay for a private hire car at what it spruiks as 'near-taxi' prices.

The company's launch fleet for Auckland falls into the low-cost UberX category "consisting of mostly Toyota Prius and Camry hybrids" Peppitt says, but cautions that "du ring the trial period, supply will be extremely limited."

While the Uber Auckland website lists a flat rate fare of NZ$70 between 'Auckland metro' and Auckland Airport, Peppitt admits that "our coverage is best in the city, at this stage we don't cover the airport."

Test-drive Uber: Best Buy gives $20 credit

New Uber customers in Auckland can get an NZ$20 discount on their first ride by signing up for Uber with the special Australian Business Traveller promotion code of uberAusBT.

(Disclaimer: we'll also pick up $20 of Uber credit when you take that ride, so it's a win-win.)

Read: $20 discount with our Uber promo code

Follow Australian Business Traveller on Twitter: we're @AusBT

Free weekly business travel newsletter

Get the latest news from Australian Business Traveller delivered straight to your inbox.

About David Flynn

David Flynn is the editor of Australian Business Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.