"All the work that I’ve had is by people just coming up and looking and going, what is this?"
A trike enthusiast for most of his life, Mr Stewart spent months preparing the two vehicles currently on offer — a petrol cab powered by a Suzuki Swift engine that was custom built in New Zealand, and a more traditional-looking tuk-tuk that runs on an electric engine.
While the electric tuk-tuk could take people across town, the petrol-powered cab could go as far as Cardrona, Luggate and Hāwea.
Both tuk-tuks were pet-friendly, and had room for up to three passengers.
Mr Stewart said in his first few weeks of operating he had fares for locals and tourists alike, and had even hosted birthday parties.
"The locals have been really really supportive.
‘‘Even the other taxi companies, they’ve been good.
"Everybody’s in with it because they see that I’m doing something different.
‘‘I just haven’t bought it in a box."
Mr Stewart said he expects the summer period to be a busy time for him, but planned to continue operating into winter.
His service also came with a trailer that he said would be able to cart people’s ski gear in winter.
"It is unique. It’s a taxi with a twist really. It’s about making the ride fun."
