Road Runner Rentals is a motorhome and campervan hire company based at 3 Shirley Road in Mairehau, Christchurch, with a second depot in Auckland. It specialises in certified self-contained vehicles for exploring the North and South Islands at your own pace, offering competitive rates with pick-up or drop-off in either city — including free airport transfers.
The fleet covers six vehicles: the Explorer 4-6 Berth motorhome on a Mercedes Sprinter base, with toilet, shower and a full kitchen; the Sprinter 2 Berth; the Nomad 3 Berth; the budget-friendly HiWay Runner; and the Queenie and Clubby 2-berth campervans. Every hire includes unlimited kilometres and free AA 24/7 roadside assistance, and the promise is simple — no hidden extras, what you see is what you pay.
The company is known for personal service: staff happily share itinerary suggestions, will deliver a vehicle if you can't reach the depot, and reward returning customers with a 10% loyalty discount. Road Runner was also the first motorhome rental company in New Zealand to accept Bitcoin.
There is no better way to experience New Zealand than through a campervan windscreen — waking up to beach views one morning and mountain scenery the next. Road Runner Rentals makes that possible from its Christchurch depot at 3 Shirley Road in Mairehau, with a second pick-up point in Auckland. The company hires certified self-contained motorhomes and campervans for exploring both the North and South Islands at competitive rates, and keeps things refreshingly simple: unlimited kilometres, free airport transfers and no hidden extras.
The fleet spans six vehicles, so there is something for solo road-trippers, couples, families and groups of friends. At the top end, the Explorer 4-6 Berth Motorhome — built on a Mercedes Sprinter — sleeps up to six adults across three double beds and carries a toilet, hot shower and a proper kitchen with a three-burner gas cooker, electric ring with grille, microwave and 140-litre fridge. The Sprinter 2 Berth offers a compact two-person option, while the Nomad caters for up to three passengers. Travellers on a budget often choose the HiWay Runner, and the Queenie and Clubby 2-berth campervans round out the line-up with value-for-money choices.
Every rental includes unlimited kilometres, so you can chase the scenery as far as it takes you, along with free AA 24/7 roadside assistance — genuine peace of mind when the South Island's most iconic spots sit a long way from the nearest town. Airport pick-up and drop-off in Christchurch or Auckland can be arranged at no cost, and the company's promise is straightforward: no hidden extras, what you see is what you pay.
All vehicles are Certified Self-Contained, which matters now more than ever — New Zealand's self-containment regulations apply to all hires from 7 December 2024. One legitimate cost to plan for: diesel vehicles attract the government's Road User Charge, currently $8.00 per 100km, calculated from the kilometres you travel and deducted from your bond when you return the vehicle.
What regulars mention most is the personal touch. Staff happily share itinerary suggestions and travel ideas so your journey is completely stress-free, and if you cannot make it to the depot, Road Runner can arrange to deliver a motorhome to you. Reviewers back it up: one traveller spent four weeks in a HiWay Runner around the South Island and called it "a great and reliable companion... perfect for solo travellers." Another couple thanked staff member Mariana by name for airport transfers and a huge amount of tips, while a third party logged 2,917 miles over a month and a half, praising a van that handled interesting and challenging roads safely, slept comfortably through the rain and was easy on fuel.
Repeat customers receive 10% off the full value of their second hire, and winter specials knock 10% off for travel between April and September. Road Runner was also the first motorhome rental company in New Zealand to offer hire paid in Bitcoin. Families are well catered for — the Explorer can be fitted with child restraints for children aged 6 months to under 8 years, with baby seats and booster seats available as optional extras.
Whether you are planning a fortnight chasing alpine passes or a slow month following the coast, the team at the Mairehau depot can help shape the route. Reach them on freephone 0800 800 708 within New Zealand or +64 288 5000 253 from overseas, or email [email protected].