Fare copped after taxi theft

Police did not have far to look for a man wanted for stealing a Wellington taxi driver's car after an argument: the thief drove home in it.

Detective Sergeant Tim Leitch said the taxi driver was taking a man and a woman to Owhiro Bay about 12.50am on Saturday when the man, said to have been affected by liquor, allegedly assaulted him and chased him down the road.

The passenger then allegedly returned to the taxi and drove off. Police found the taxi in Owhiro Bay, where a tracker dog followed a scent to near the passenger's residence.

A man is due to appear in the Wellington District Court on Friday.