Apollo vs Britz Australia and NZ's Top Two Rental Fleets
Apollo and Britz dominate the Australian and New Zealand campervan rental market. Both are major fleet operators with depots in every major city. Both offer campervans, motorhomes and 4WD campers. The differences come down to fleet age, pricing strategy and vehicle range.
Quick Answer
Apollo is the budget-friendly option with the widest fleet range and the most depot locations. Britz has newer vehicles, better fit-outs and stronger customer service — at a 15-25% premium. If you're watching your budget, Apollo. If you want a better vehicle experience, Britz. Both are owned by the same parent company (Tourism Holdings Limited), so the operational infrastructure is shared.
The THL Connection
Here's what most people don't know: Apollo, Britz, Maui, Mighty and Star RV are all owned by Tourism Holdings Limited (THL). They're different brands targeting different market segments — like how Volkswagen owns both Skoda and Audi. Same parent, different price points and quality tiers.
The hierarchy: Mighty (ultra-budget, oldest vehicles) → Apollo (budget-mid, 2-5 year old fleet) → Britz (mid-premium, 1-3 year old fleet) → Maui (premium, newest fleet) → Star RV (luxury, latest model year only). This means a Britz vehicle is essentially an ex-Maui vehicle that's been rotated down the brand ladder.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Apollo | Britz |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range (AUD) | $90-$280/night | $120-$350/night |
| Fleet Age | 2-5 years | 1-3 years |
| Vehicle Range | Widest (vans, motorhomes, 4WD) | Good range (vans, motorhomes, 4WD) |
| Depots (AU) | Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Cairns, Perth, Adelaide, Darwin, Hobart | Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Cairns, Perth, Adelaide, Darwin, Hobart |
| Depots (NZ) | Auckland, Christchurch | Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown |
| Liability Reduction | $20-$45 AUD/day | $25-$55 AUD/day |
| One-Way Fee | $200-$500 AUD (varies) | $200-$500 AUD (varies) |
| Unlimited KM | Yes (most vehicles) | Yes (most vehicles) |
| Self-Contained (NZ) | Some models | Most models |
Pricing Reality
Apollo's base rate is 15-25% lower than Britz for comparable vehicle sizes. On a 14-day rental, that gap translates to $300-$700 AUD in savings. For budget-conscious travelers — especially backpackers doing a long loop — Apollo makes the numbers work better.
But factor in the vehicle age difference. An Apollo van might have 80,000+ km on the odometer and show wear inside. A Britz van of the same type might have 30,000 km and feel noticeably fresher. Whether that difference justifies $300-$700 depends on how much interior condition matters to you.
Both companies charge separately for liability reduction (insurance). Apollo's excess reduction is slightly cheaper. Bedding, kitchen kits and camp chairs are usually add-ons at both — $50-$150 per set. Some promotional packages include these for free.
Vehicle Quality
Britz vehicles are genuinely nicer inside. Better upholstery, less wear on fixtures, newer appliances, fewer cosmetic issues. The layouts are well thought out and the storage solutions are better. Britz also tends to have better-equipped 4WD campers for outback travel.
Apollo vehicles are functional. Everything works. But you'll notice the age — scuffed surfaces, older bedding, possibly dated kitchen fittings. Mechanically they're maintained to the same THL standards (the parent company handles maintenance across all brands). The difference is purely cosmetic and in the interior fit-out quality.
New Zealand Freedom Camping
This matters for NZ trips. Freedom camping requires a certified self-contained vehicle (built-in toilet, water tank, waste holding). Britz certifies most of their NZ fleet as self-contained, which means more freedom camping options. Apollo certifies some models but their budget vehicles often aren't self-contained.
If freedom camping is part of your NZ plan, confirm self-contained certification before booking. The $200 NZD fine for freedom camping without certification stings — and it eliminates some of the best free camping spots in the country.
When to Choose Each
Choose Apollo if...
- → Budget is your top priority
- → You're doing a longer trip (2+ weeks)
- → Vehicle age doesn't bother you
- → You want the widest range of vehicle types
- → You're a backpacker on a tight budget
Choose Britz if...
- → You want a newer, nicer vehicle
- → NZ freedom camping certification matters
- → You need a Queenstown depot (NZ)
- → Interior quality affects your experience
- → You're willing to pay 15-25% more for comfort