Road Runner Rentals Review

Editors Review

Last Updated: 10/6/19

Road Runner Rentals is a family-owned rental company in New Zealand that has been in the industry for more than a decade. The company features extensive and personalized 2, 4, and 6-berth vehicles, and offers best campervan deals in Christchurch and Auckland.

About Road Runner Rentals

Being in the rental business since 2006, Road Runner Rentals focuses on giving excellent customer service through their easy bookings and convenient campervan hire. And because of their trusted years of experience, the company claims to provide quality road trips to their customers. But have they lived up to their claim? Over the years, this rather popular rental company in NZ is flagged with mostly negative reviews. They have two branches, one in Christchurch and the other in Auckland. Even so, this does not mean you can't go freedom camping on other parts of NZ. Be a responsible camper by knowing the freedom camping rules ahead. 

Fleet

Road Runner Rentals' diverse yet personalized fleet has been providing customers with great road trips for the past decade. From 2 berth to 4-berth and to 6-berth campervans, customers have a lot of choices depending on their personal preferences.  A great thing to note too is that most of their campervans are 'certified self-contained', making it more accessible to more free campsites across New Zealand. Most campervans are older than other campers on the road, hence possible wear and tear issues on the units. There are some reviews that report unfortunate encounters because of older vehicle versions. With that in mind, Road Runner Rentals also provides an option for the latest vehicles, but at a higher rate. 

Vehicles

Freedom 2 Berth

The Freedom campervan, which is a Nissan model, is the most affordable choice for travellers on a budget. The economical price comes with some certain hitches such as older model (2003-2005), no built-in shower & toilet, no microwave, and limited water container size. Thankfully, the campervan already includes the cooking utensils, crockery & cutlery, tea towels, linens, portaloo, and a CD player. This campervan has 3 passengers maximum, but can only sleep 2. 

Clubby 2 Berth

Clubby is roughly the same as Freedom, but with additional selection and step-up convenience. You can either choose from Toyota Hiace or Nissan campervan, all of which are 2002-2004 models. This campervan is a great choice for people travelling in pairs, wanting a more spacious storage room and more comfortable headroom. 

Queenie 2 Berth

If you are travelling with a child, then you can pick Queenie, which can accommodate two adults and one child. Queenie is a 2008-2010 Toyota Hiace model, with a manual 5-speed transmission and a 2.7litre engine. This campervan already comes with camping essentials plus a double gas cooker, a microwave, and a higher water container size. 

Hi-Way Runner 2 Berth

Another 2 berth option is the custom-made Hi-Way Runner. This automatic campervan is built on a practical Toyota Hiace with spacious interior and fuel-efficient system. Because of its compact size, just like most traditional campervans, it is very easy to drive and park. It's pretty much the same with Queenie, except the hi-top roof. 

Sprinter 2 Berth

A more step-up 2-berth campervan is the Automatic- Tiptronic Mercedes Sprinter  2010-2016 model. Anyone considering a more comfortable and convenient road trip, with amazing interior room and well-thought-out space utilization should take this campervan. Your stay will surely be at ease with the thermostatically controlled gas heater/ cooler in the living area, the 60 litre fridge, and the built-in shower & toilet. The additional features, however, can come with some price increases.

Navigator 4 Berth

Further, there are also motorhomes for those travelling in 4 or 6. You only have one option for the  4-berth Navigator, which is the Mercedes Sprinter. This motorhome comes with air-conditioning, toilet/shower, and fully equipped kitchen.

Explorer 6 Berth

And for those family or group of friends travelling in 6, you can have the 6-berth Explorer Motorhome, either in Mercedes Sprinter or Ford Transit. This motorhome feature three double beds, spacious indoor space, and large-sized mirrors, giving spectacular panoramic views. Even with the interior facilities, this unit still leaves extra room for everyone. 

Insurance

Insurance excess depends on the campervan/ motorhome rented and the age of the driver. For Freedom, Clubby, Queenie, and Hi-way Runner, the excess can be reduced from $3, 000 to $0 at $25/ day (18 - 21 years old); $2, 500 to $0 at $20/ day (21 - 25 years old); $2, 000 to $0 at $15/ day (25 years old & over). 

For Sprinter, Navigator, and Explorer, the excess can also be reduced from $4, 000 to $1, 000 at $25/ day (25 years old & over) or $0 at $35/ day (25 years old & over). 

If you take the full insurance options, this also covers both windscreen and tyre damage. If not, you need to pay $4.50/ day for such coverage.

Reputation

As a family-owned business for more than a decade, Road Runner Rentals has created a name in the campervan rental category. However, there have been some issues in the past regarding unresponsive and unapologetic team, and not to mention there were at least two reviews saying that the company will withhold $100 of the bond if a negative evaluation is posted. Well, such reviews were not verified, it is not mentioned in the current Terms and Conditions and all other assessments were great in most accounts. 

Summary

For budget-minded traveller wanting a fully equipped campervans, Road Runner Rentals can be a nice choice. But of course, with the negative reviews, you ought to rent with caution.