Road Runner Rentals

Road Runner Rentals is one of New Zealand's longest-running independent campervan hire companies, operating from Christchurch and Auckland since 2006. Family-owned and genuinely personal in their service approach, they occupy a distinct niche: a fleet that spans from budget-friendly campervans right up to spacious six-berth motorhomes, all certified self-contained and backed by 24/7 AA roadside assistance and free airport transfers. If you've been turned off by the impersonal feel of the large-fleet operators, Road Runner is worth a serious look.

The value range campervans — Clubby, Queenie, and HiWay Runner — are built on Toyota HiAce platforms and cater to couples or small families on a tighter budget. The Clubby 2 Berth (2010–2015 HiAce, Automatic) is the most basic option: a single gas burner, a cooler-style fridge, and a fixed cassette toilet, but it's self-contained and easy to drive. Step up to the Queenie 2 Berth (2011–2013 HiAce, Manual 5-speed) and you gain a double gas cooker, a microwave, and enough room for two adults plus a child on the upper bunk — a solid compact family option. The HiWay Runner (2016–2021 HiAce, Automatic, petrol) is the newest value-range offering: custom-fitted interior with USB ports, solar panel, and a fixed toilet, driving like a conventional car despite being a fully equipped camper.

The premium tier shifts to Mercedes Sprinter platforms. The Sprinter 2 Berth (2014–2016, Automatic Tiptronic) offers a genuine shower and toilet combination, 78L fresh water tank, 80L fridge, and a kitchen that includes both gas and microwave cooking — a step-change in comfort for two. The Nomad 3 Berth (2019–2021 Sprinter, 9-speed auto) is Road Runner's flagship modern motorhome: 130L fridge, outdoor BBQ, Bluetooth audio, solar panel, reversing camera, and three sleeping positions in a 7m coach. The Explorer 4–6 Berth (2016 Sprinter) rounds out the fleet with three double beds, 150L water tanks, a 140L fridge, TV/DVD, and diesel interior heating — enough for a family of six travelling in genuine comfort. All Sprinter models carry certified self-contained status required for freedom camping under New Zealand's December 2024 regulations.

Both depots are conveniently located for airport arrivals. The Christchurch depot at 3 Shirley Road is the company's head office; the Auckland location operates by appointment from Flyaways Airport Parking in Mangere. Free airport transfers are included in all hires — a meaningful saving compared with operators who charge separately. One-way hire between Auckland and Christchurch is available; worth confirming when booking. The 10% loyalty discount for returning customers is a nice touch for repeat New Zealand visitors.

Reviews are broadly positive for the Sprinter and Nomad models in particular, with customers citing knowledgeable personal pickup briefings and responsive support during the hire. As with any independent operator, vehicle age varies across the value range — the HiAce campervans are older models and cosmetic wear is to be expected. Budget-conscious travellers comparing Road Runner's value range against operators like JUCY or Britz Campervans NZ should weigh the personal service and competitive pricing against the newer fleets at larger companies. Those looking for the Sprinter or Nomad tier will find Road Runner's pricing genuinely competitive against comparable vehicles at Apollo Campervans NZ. For a broader look at what's available from Christchurch, see our Christchurch campervan hire comparison, or browse all Auckland campervan hire options.