Kiwi Road-Trip Chic: Decorating Inside A Motorhome Without Losing Your Style

The dream of the great Aotearoa road trip is etched into the Kiwi soul. It’s the freedom of waking up to a golden sunrise over a deserted beach, the thrill of navigating winding roads through the Southern Alps, and the simple joy of having your own slice of paradise on wheels. But while the exterior views are world-class, the interior of many motorhomes can feel generic and uninspired.

This guide is about changing that. It’s about how to take a standard motorhome and transform it into a proper Kiwi bach on wheels—a space that reflects your personal style and the unique beauty of Aotearoa.

With a bit of planning and some clever local touches, you can create a mobile sanctuary that feels like home, wherever you park it.

Planning Your Kiwi Bach On Wheels

Every great project starts with a solid plan. Before you even think about paint colours, you need to find the right canvas. Assessing the layout is crucial, and browsing different motorhomes for sale is the best way to find a base that matches your vision for life on the road in New Zealand. Once you have your vehicle, it's time to define your aesthetic. 

Are you aiming for a breezy "Coromandel Bach" feel with light woods and coastal blues? A moody and modern "Central Otago" vibe with clean lines and earthy tones? Or a cozy rustic retreat with "West Coast" vibes and warm, chunky textiles?

Think practically about New Zealand's famous "four seasons in a day." Your design choices need to stand up to both Northland's humidity and a frosty South Island morning, so opt for durable, moisture-resistant materials.

To keep your vision cohesive, create a mood board inspired by Aotearoa itself. Pull colours from a Kaikoura sunset, textures from the native bush, and ideas from local magazines like NZ House & Garden to create a truly local look.

Big Surfaces, Big Kiwi Impact

The fastest way to transform your space is by tackling the largest surfaces. Start with a colour palette that feels like home.

Grab some swatches from iconic Kiwi brands like Resene or Dulux, choosing shades that evoke local landscapes—think "Pohutukawa" red, "Kaiteriteri" sand, or "Fiordland" green. A fresh coat of paint will instantly make the space feel larger and more personal.

For flooring, you need something that can handle sandy jandals and muddy hiking boots. Lightweight vinyl planking is a durable and stylish choice, and adding a genuine NZ wool floor rug will bring in instant warmth and a touch of luxury. 

When it comes to fabrics, this is where you can make a huge impact. Reupholster tired cushions with high-quality fabrics from NZ designers like Citta.

Look for textiles with subtle native prints—the silver fern, kōwhai flowers, or a cheeky fantail. And a non-negotiable for the Kiwi climate: install good thermal-backed curtains to keep you warm on cold nights and cool on hot summer days.

Tidy-As Storage For The Kiwi Traveller

A tidy motorhome is a happy motorhome. Good storage is essential for a clutter-free and relaxing space, especially when you need to pack for every possible adventure. Think about the uniquely Kiwi gear you'll be carrying and create specific spots for it all—hiking poles, fishing rods, the chilly bin, and a designated hook for a wet Swanndri to dry.

Head to local stores like Mitre 10, Bunnings, or Briscoes for clever storage solutions. Use vertical space with wall-mounted shelving, hooks, and magnetic strips to get items off the countertops. Look for multi-purpose furniture, like a bench seat with built-in storage for shoes and jandals. And most importantly, secure everything for New Zealand’s notoriously winding roads. 

Anyone who’s driven the Coromandel Loop knows that bungee cords and tension rods inside cupboards are your best friends for preventing a symphony of rattling on the move.

Adding The Aotearoa Accents

With the fundamentals in place, it’s time for the personal touches that make a space truly yours. Layer your lighting for a cozy atmosphere. Use warm, 12V LED lights for general illumination and add some solar-powered fairy lights for that classic Kiwi camping vibe.

Decorate with local art and taonga (treasures). Use 3M Command Strips to hang lightweight prints from New Zealand artists, frame a beautiful map of a favourite National Park, or display a treasured piece of pounamu or a polished paua shell. Bring the outdoors in with textiles featuring native birds like the tūī or kererū, display a piece of driftwood found on a West Coast beach, or add a small, hardy native plant to a secure pot. 

Finish the look by accessorizing with iconic Kiwi brands—a cozy Macpac fleece blanket for cool evenings and durable enamel mugs for your morning flat white will make the space feel authentically Aotearoa.

Wrapping Up

Creating your dream motorhome is about more than just decoration; it’s about crafting a space that enhances your adventures.

By planning your unique Kiwi aesthetic, using local materials and colours, creating practical storage, and adding meaningful, Aotearoa-inspired accents, you can build your perfect bach on wheels.

Your motorhome's interior should be just as inspiring as the incredible country you're exploring, making every journey feel like coming home.

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Our writers like to blog about gardening. We launched the award-winning Seasons in Colour in 2015 and the luxury property and interior decor blog www.alltheprettyhomes.com in 2024 to cover all your interior design, travel and lifestyle inspiration needs.