Recently, Transfercar had the pleasure of partnering up with Randall and his team at Road Runner Rentals in Christchurch, who offer quality, easy to drive campervans and motorhomes for local and international travellers in New Zealand.
I’m often on the phone with Randall, discussing new deals and relocation options for travellers and find the Roadrunner crew to be a really friendly and accommodating bunch who will always do that little bit extra for their customers.
On the wake of the massive earthquake that hit Christchurch in recent weeks, many families and companies were forced to evacuate and abandon 
their premises, unable to return indefinitely. As business ground to a halt, accommodation has become a big issue as hotels and backpackers etc were also forced to close their doors.
One of Transfercar’s valued partners, Spaceships Rental Campervans, were one of the unfortunate rental companies to be hit hard and have now relocated to a new depot that they call “The Castle”:
Written by Brian Karlson
In the beginning of March I chose to relocate a 3-berth campervan for Travel Wheels from Brisbane to Sydney. The vehicle was listed on Transfercar’s website, allowing three days to travel the distance. I brought my partner along and we flew in to Brisbane from Sydney on a Thursday afternoon after work with Tiger Airways, which cost us only $35 p/p all included. A friend of ours picked us up from the airport and we went to the Riverside for some drinks and oysters before staying over at his place.
On Friday morning we picked up the campervan from the Travel Wheels depot, which was a bit out of town but easily accessible with public transport. As we only had 3 days to relocate, it is advisable to pick up the campervan as early as possible so not to waste any time. We were there at 10 am and the vehicle check and instructions from the friendly staff took only 10 minutes.
Rental car companies are feeling the aftershocks of the Christchurch earthquake in branches nationwide. Entire schedules were disrupted as vehicles went missing due to drivers being unable to drop vehicles off at central city depots.
A number of prominent rental agencies have only just been able to access trapped and damaged stock; relocating vehicles to depots outside of the central city. Issues arose as vehicles that would normally be returned with a full tank of gas came back empty as petrol stations were closed and inaccessible.
A representative from one company mentioned that such a simple thing as cleaning the campervans was impossible as power and water shortages covered most of the city leaving vehicles unable to be groomed for the next occupant. Phone lines and internet access are down leaving companies unable to operate and functioning on mobiles.
We are all aware that private vehicles are significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions globally. OK…possibly not quite as high as the agriculture sector (why NZ introduced the FART TAX!), but significant all the same.
Since many of us are not yet ready to ditch the wheels and put on a pair of rollerblades, we have to do our part in reducing these emissions while still enjoying the freedom and pleasure our cool little free relocation cars or campervans gives us without the guilt trip of killing the planet.
Also, being a green tourist does not only apply to getting around. It means so much more.
Here’s some ideas that will not only help save the planet, but will help save your wallet in the process: (more…)
In a move signaling its expansion into the Australian and New Zealand market, Hertz today announced the acquisition of budget car rental company Ace Rental Cars and an alliance with Apollo Motorhome Holidays.
At a press conference in Sydney, visiting Hertz International president Michel Taride said the two ventures were steps in Hertz’s plans to diversify the company’s brand and product offerings.
Read the full article courtesy of Travel Blackboard Australia
