Today's Government-imposed petrol price hike has sparked calls by boaties for an exemption and a rethink.
The new tax is pushing petrol prices up by four cents a litre nationwide and sees New Zealanders paying record high prices at the pump.
Wanaka locals woke to find 91 octane is now an eye-watering $2.59 per litre.
One couple in the town said they were walking today because of the price of petrol.
And as the fallout continues, boaties want an exemption from the Government.
"The tax is there for improving the roads on the land and there's nothing for the waterways. We think it's unfair that the recreational boatie who's is taking his family out on the lovely waterways has to pay an additional tax that has nothing to do with being on the water," said Peter Busfield of the New Zealand Marine Industry Association.
Matthew Mason of Palm Beach Yachts said: "When you're running down to Waiheke for the day you don't want to be feeling the burn in the pocket all day. I think, for sure, it will affect a lot of families."
Taxi drivers say it's hurting financially, but they won't be passing the cost to passengers.
"Well we can't because we're competing. And if they went up anymore we are detracting from customers," one taxi driver said.
Another said its "definitely a very hard time for us".
In Christchurch 91 octane is now at $2.44 a litre.
But it pays to shop around, with the fuel found at $2.32 at one site. The only catch is you have to fill the tank yourself.
Unmanned petrol pumps are growing in popularity.
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