Owner guides
30 Caravan Renovation Ideas NZ
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Thinking of renovating a caravan? You don’t have to spend a tonne of money on a modern caravan! Older models of caravan might look a little tired, but with some elbow grease, they can be just as comfortable and luxurious as anything on the sales floor. Plus, many of them have a certain charm that can’t be replaced!
Here are 30 caravan renovation ideas from New Zealand and Australia to give you some inspiration. Whether you’re after a bright beach theme, a clean modern design or even some country charm - you’ll find it all on this list of ideas. Plus, we’ve thrown in a whole heap of caravan renovation tips to help you along the way!
30 easy & eye-catching caravan renovation ideas
1. Warm Scandinavian interior
This retro Munro caravan from 1966 has been renovated to include a cosy and warm Scandinavian interior. The perfect place for a chilly NZ evening!
Caravan example: Sondela (Auckland)
2. Bright beach colours
The turquoise colours in this classic Kiwi caravan are perfect for beachside holidays. This CI Munro from 1980 has been renovated with a bright new paint job and fresh fittings. Easily one of our favourite caravan renovation ideas!
Caravan example: The Hillton (Palmerston North)
3. Sleek and spacious
This 1970 Concord caravan is sleek inside and out. It’s been renovated with a simple layout that’s clean, modern and roomy.
Caravan example: Concord Sally (Papamoa Beach)
4. Stand out from the crowd
A quick paint job on this Glenroy Shamrock caravan from 1962 has given it a sense of character and refreshed its exterior.
Caravan example: Gertrude (Tauranga)
5. An arty interior
Class meets comfort in the modern art interior of this Viscount Royal caravan from 1975. It’s recently been painted inside and out and updated with new fittings and insulation.
Caravan example: Vintage Bonita
6. Family holiday home
Looking for the ultimate beach theme? This 1970 Viscount Ambassador has been renovated to look like a pretty seaside cottage.
Caravan example: Salty the Caravan
7. Soft and subtle
The gentle pink interior of this 1985 Spaceline caravan is soft and welcoming.
Caravan example: Irene
8. Rattan and other textures
This small Millard caravan renovation from 1972 has used rattan in its renovation to make it feel like an airy island home.
Caravan example: Ohana
9. Maximise sunlight
It might look small from the outside but plenty of windows and sunlight in this 1986 Viscount Regency creates a sense of spaciousness.
Caravan example: Vintage Birdie
Plenty of space in a pop-top
This is a great idea for a pop-top caravan renovation! With so much spare room and storage space, this modern and luxurious renovation feels just like home.
Caravan example: Let’s Go Boho
11. Divide the living areas
Want some privacy from the kids? This Hillandale 1968 caravan has been renovated to include a dividing wall between the living area and the double bed. It also makes great use of interior patterns to further divide different sections of the caravan.
Caravan example: Skye
12. Keep it vintage
Looking for some retro caravan renovation ideas? You can keep your caravan’s vintage character whilst modernising it with a paint job and new fittings, as seen by this 1973 Viscount Royal renovation.
Caravan example: Sandy the Vintage Caravan
13. Glamorous getaway
Here’s a glamorous idea for your caravan renovation. An artsy decor gives this 1975 Franklin Regent some fun beach vibes.
Caravan example: Glam the Kiki
Track your travels
You could install a cork or laminated map in your caravan renovation and keep track of your travels by sticking photos to it. A bit like this renovated Viscount Ambassador from 1963.
Caravan example: Jenny 2 You
15. Classic holiday home
The bright exterior of this Evernew Retro Classic 1973 is perfectly suited to beachside campsites. A few simple touches inside have transformed this caravan into a classic holiday home.
Caravan example: Sunny the Caravan
16. Bunk beds for the kids
This Viscount Royal caravan from 1970 has been completely renovated inside and out. The clever bunk bed layout leaves plenty of internal space for a family of four.
Caravan example: VanGo Glamping Caravan
17. Colourful cushion covers
This bright and modern caravan renovation describes itself as “whimsical”. They’ve used colourful textiles throughout this 1970 Viscount Ambassador to create contrast.
Caravan example: Capri the Caravan
18. A shady spot to escape the sun
Completely restored and renovated, this Millard Grand Tourer Pop-Top caravan from 1983 is now the perfect place to chill out after a long day of travel. The blackout curtains keep the caravan interior cool and quiet.
Caravan example: The Happy Granny Flat
19. Best of both worlds
Vintage meets modern in this 1984 Jayco Pop-Top, which was renovated to become a minimalist beach hang out.
Caravan example: Josie ****
20. Clean modern interior
Easily one of the best caravan renovations on the internet, this 1974 Viscount Royal has taken glamping to the next level! A stylish and clean look makes this classic caravan feel like a modern beachside apartment.
Caravan example: Mazzy the Van
21. Light colours feel spacious
Another outstanding renovation of a classic Viscount Supreme 1978 caravan. Note how light tones and colours have been used throughout to create a sense of spaciousness.
Caravan example: Dolly the Caravan
22. Country charm
How can you make a small caravan feel like a big farmhouse? After its renovation, this 1992 lightweight caravan now has a lot of country charm.
Caravan example: Dreamy Country Farmhouse
23. Keep it simple
One of the first Viscount caravans to be made, this gorgeous 1962 model has been restored to its former glory. A simple renovation makes a big difference.
Caravan example: Val the Valiant
24. Chic caravan interior
Add a touch of glamour with chic and modern fittings. Check out the Sterling fridge and patterned kitchen tiles in this 1975 Millard caravan renovation.
Caravan example: Tiffany and Go
25. Dogs allowed
Want a caravan renovation idea that is pet-friendly? This beach-themed 1974 Millard vintage caravan has been designed with dog owners in mind!
Caravan example: Millie the Vintage Caravan
26. Fun and functional
Step inside this caravan renovation and you’ll be amazed by their interior ideas! Charming on the outside, modern and classy on the inside.
Caravan example: Bilby the Lovebug
27. Cabin-style caravan renovation
This 1985 Viscount caravan offers the ultimate glamping experience. With its rustic finish, the interior feels like a cosy cabin.
Caravan example: Watson
28. Use the exterior as an extension
Another outstanding example of how to make a small caravan feel comfortable. Note how this 1969 Nixon caravan also makes the most of its awning and outdoor area.
Caravan example: Little Black Camper
29. Triple bunk beds
Got a large family? The triple bunk bed in this 1988 Traveller caravan renovation means that it can sleep up to 5 people.
Caravan example: Sunny
30. Warm and inviting
This Jayco Sprite 1993 caravan renovation feels just like home thanks to its warm colours and LED nightlights. Plus, the rear awning creates a convenient outdoor dining and entertainment area.
Caravan example: Dolly
Try out some caravan renovation ideas before you commit
It’s easy to go overboard when researching caravan renovation ideas. It’s even easier to blow your budget on things that you may not necessarily want or need.
Once you’ve decided on the best caravan to buy for you and your family, we always recommend that you ‘try before you buy’.
Use Camplify to search through dozens of privately-owned caravans for hire - each one with a unique interior. Then hire a caravan that takes your fancy and test to see whether its interior design meets your expectations before undertaking the changes in your own caravan.
Once you have your interior sorted, hire out your caravan through Camplify and begin making back the money you’ve spent.
Earn a return on your caravan renovation
Once you’ve actioned your favourite caravan renovation ideas, it’s time to start earning a return on your investment by renting out your van when it’s not in use!
Each year, many Kiwis earn up to $10,000 by hiring out their caravan through Camplify. By doing so, they quickly generate a long-term passive income stream. And the best part is, Camplify takes care of many of the expenses involved in hiring out your vehicle, including:
Comprehensive hire insurance.
24/7 nationwide AA Roadside breakdown cover for hirers.
Dedicated customer support.
If you’re interested in earning a return on your investment, you can calculate how much income you could generate each year by using our earnings calculator.