Maui vs Apollo: Premium vs Value Motorhome Hire Compared (2026)

Here's a question that trips up nearly every campervan renter in Australia and New Zealand: should you pay more for Maui, or save with Apollo? Both are owned by the same parent company — THL Group — and share many of the same depots, routes, and even vehicle platforms. So what exactly are you paying for when you upgrade to Maui?

This guide compares every angle — pricing, fleet age, vehicle quality, insurance, customer service, depot coverage, and the hidden costs most travellers miss — so you can make the right call for your trip.

Short answer: If you want the newest, most modern vehicle with premium inclusions and you're happy paying 20–40% more, choose Maui. If you want solid value and don't mind a vehicle that's a few years older, Apollo delivers an excellent experience at a lower price. Compare both live on CamperCompare →

The THL Family Tree — Understanding How It Works

THL Group operates a cascading fleet model that's unique in the rental industry. Here's how it works in practice:

1. Year 1–2: A brand-new vehicle enters the fleet as a Maui — the premium badge. It gets the best interiors, latest tech, and lowest km.
2. Year 2–3: That same vehicle is rebranded as a Britz — the reliable mid-range option.
3. Year 3–5: It then moves to Apollo or Mighty — the value/budget tier.
4. Year 5+: The vehicle is sold off or retired from the fleet.

This means when you book a Maui, you're guaranteed a vehicle that's at most 2 years old. With Apollo, you're getting a vehicle that's been through the system — still maintained to the same safety standards, but with more kilometres and an older fit-out.

Quick Comparison Table

Feature	Maui	Apollo
Position	THL Premium	THL Value
Vehicle Age	0–2 years	2–5 years
Price Range	$90–$400/day	$55–$250/day
Fleet Size	2,500+ vehicles	5,000+ vehicles
Vehicle Range	2-berth to 6-berth	2-berth to 6-berth + 4WD
Minimum Age	21+	21+
AU + NZ Depots	10+	12+
Best For	Couples, retirees wanting premium comfort	Value-seekers, families, longer trips

Pricing: What's the Real Difference?

On average, Maui costs 20–40% more than Apollo for a comparable vehicle type. For a 2-berth campervan in peak season (December–February), you might pay:

• Apollo Hitop: ~$120–$160/day
• Maui Ultima: ~$170–$240/day

Over a 14-day hire, that's a difference of $700–$1,100. For families renting a 6-berth motorhome, the gap can be even wider — up to $80/day.

The key question is what you get for that premium. With Maui: newer interiors, lower kilometres, often better standard inclusions (windscreen cover, newer safety features), and priority customer support. With Apollo: the exact same routes, similar depot experience, and a perfectly functional vehicle that's just been through a few more trips.

Pro tip: Check both brands on CamperCompare — we show live pricing from both, plus any current deals. Sometimes Apollo runs a sale that makes it cheaper than expected, and occasionally Maui's off-peak rates come surprisingly close to Apollo's standard pricing.

Vehicle Quality and Interiors

This is where the rubber meets the road (literally). Maui vehicles are noticeably newer. Expect:

• Modern kitchen fit-outs — better stove, newer fridge, sometimes an oven in larger models
• Improved sleeping — more comfortable mattresses, better ventilation
• Tech features — reversing cameras, Bluetooth, USB charging in the cabin and living area
• Exterior condition — minimal wear, recent paint, no dents or scratches

Apollo vehicles are still well-maintained and thoroughly cleaned between rentals, but you may notice more wear and tear — slightly dated interiors, perhaps a few minor cosmetic blemishes, and occasionally older-spec appliances. For most travellers spending their days exploring rather than sitting inside the van, this is a non-issue.

Insurance and Excess

Both brands offer similar tiered insurance structures — you can opt for standard liability ($5,000–$7,500 excess), reduced liability ($500–$2,500), or full zero-excess coverage. Daily rates for insurance upgrades are roughly comparable ($25–$55/day for zero-excess).

Where Maui sometimes edges ahead is in standard inclusions. The Maui Ultima range, for example, often includes windscreen and tyre cover as standard — items that Apollo typically charges extra for. Over a 2-week hire, these included extras can be worth $200–$350.

Depot Network and One-Way Hires

Both brands cover the major depot cities across Australia (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Cairns, Perth, Adelaide, Darwin, Alice Springs) and New Zealand (Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown).

One-way fees are similar for both ($100–$400 depending on route and season). Popular routes like Brisbane to Cairns or Melbourne to Adelaide sometimes have zero one-way fees for both brands — check availability on CamperCompare.

Who Should Choose Maui?

• Couples or retirees wanting a premium, hassle-free experience
• First-time campervan renters who want the newest, easiest-to-use vehicle
• Short hires (7 days or less) where the daily premium is manageable
• Anyone who values having the latest tech and best condition vehicle

Who Should Choose Apollo?

• Budget-conscious travellers who'd rather spend money on experiences
• Families on longer trips (14+ days) where savings compound
• Experienced campervan renters who know what they need
• Anyone doing a longer trip where $50/day savings adds up to $700+

The Verdict

There's no wrong answer here — both brands deliver a quality campervan experience across Australia and New Zealand. The difference is essentially age and polish. Maui gives you the freshest vehicle with premium touches. Apollo gives you the same roads, same depots, and a solid vehicle at a significantly lower price.

Our recommendation: compare live prices on CamperCompare for your specific dates. Sometimes the price gap narrows during sales, and occasionally Apollo's premium models overlap with Maui's entry-level vehicles — making the choice much easier.