USA Travel Guide: The Ultimate California Road Trip for Kiwi Travellers
Everything you need to know about USA travel and a California road trip.
Your complete USA travel guide for Kiwi road trippers.
Planning USA travel from New Zealand is about more than ticking off famous landmarks - it’s about embracing the open road, epic landscapes and cities that feel larger than life. If you’ve ever dreamed of a classic USA road trip, the Golden California route is the perfect place to start.
Designed with Kiwi travellers in mind, this guide blends inspiration and practical advice to help you confidently plan your travel to America. From California’s coastal icons to desert highways and natural wonders, here’s how to turn your American roadie into reality.
Why the USA is a top destination for New Zealand travellers.
The United States remains one of the most popular long‑haul destinations for Kiwis - and for good reason. With direct flights from Auckland to major hubs like Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York, travel to America is easier than ever.
What makes USA travel so appealing?
- Enormous variety - beaches, cities, deserts and national parks in one trip
- World‑class road infrastructure, ideal for self‑drive holidays
- Iconic destinations that feel familiar yet exciting through movies and pop culture
- Endless options for families, couples and adventure seekers
The USA offers the space and scale to truly slow down and explore.
The Golden California route: a classic USA road trip.
If you’re new to USA road trip planning, California is the perfect starting point. This route links some of America’s most famous cities with jaw‑dropping natural scenery, making it perfect for a 10 to 14 day holiday.
San Francisco: start your journey in style.
Your USA travel adventure begins in San Francisco, a city known for its rolling hills, diverse neighbourhoods and iconic landmarks.
Highlights include:
- Walking or cycling across the Golden Gate Bridge
- Riding historic cable cars through the city
- Exploring Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39
- Taking a ferry to Alcatraz Island
Spend two to three nights here to adjust to the time difference and soak up the West Coast vibe before hitting the road.
Los Angeles: lights, camera, action.
Drive south along Highway 101 or the scenic Pacific Coast Highway to Los Angeles. This leg of your California road trip showcases classic coastal scenery and laid‑back beach towns.
In LA, you can:
- Wander the Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Visit Griffith Observatory for city views
- Relax at Santa Monica or Venice Beach
- Shop in Beverly Hills or explore local food markets
Los Angeles delivers everything you could imagine when you think about travel to America.
Through the Mojave Desert to Las Vegas.
Leaving the coast behind, your USA road trip heads inland through the Mojave Desert. The landscape shifts dramatically as palm trees give way to wide‑open desert roads.
Stop along the way at:
- Joshua Tree National Park for unique desert scenery
- Route 66 landmarks for classic Americana photo ops
Before long, the neon lights of Las Vegas appear on the horizon.
Las Vegas: the entertainment capital of the world.
Las Vegas is more than just casinos. While trying your luck is part of the fun, the city also offers:
- World‑class live shows and concerts
- Award‑winning restaurants by celebrity chefs
- Unique attractions and luxury shopping
- Poolside relaxation and spa experiences
Two nights is usually perfect before continuing your USA travel adventure.
Grand Canyon: a must‑see American icon.
No travel to America feels complete without seeing the Grand Canyon. A short drive from Las Vegas, this natural wonder delivers a sense of scale that photos simply can’t capture.
Top experiences include:
- Walking the South Rim viewpoints
- Hiking into the canyon for adventurous travellers
- Scenic helicopter flights
- Sunset photography over the canyon walls
This is often the highlight of a USA road trip .
Optional detours for extra adventure.
If time allows, consider adding:
- Zion National Park - dramatic cliffs and hiking trails
- Bryce Canyon - striking rock formations and cooler temperatures
- Palm Springs - retro desert style and relaxation
These additions add depth to your USA travel experience without straying too far from the main route.
Practical tips for USA travel from New Zealand.
Entry requirements
New Zealand passport holders can travel to the USA under the Visa Waiver Program for up to 90 days. You’ll need an approved ESTA before departure. Be sure to stay up to date with government travel advice as this can be subject to change.
Driving in America
- Automatic cars are standard
- Roads are well‑signposted and easy to navigate
- Plan fuel stops carefully when driving through desert areas
A self‑drive itinerary is one of the best ways to travel through America at your own pace.
Best time to visit
For California and the Southwest, the best months are:
- April to June
- September to October
These shoulder seasons offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds and better value - Perfect for a California road trip.
What to pack
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Light layers for changing temperatures
- Sun protection for desert and coastal areas
- International driver licence (recommended)
Why book your USA holiday with a House of Travel Specialist.
Planning USA travel can feel overwhelming because of the sheer size of the country. Working with a knowledgeable travel expert ensures:
- Well‑paced itineraries suited to Kiwi travellers
- Access to competitive flight and accommodation deals
- Insider tips you won’t find in generic guides
- Peace of mind if plans change
A tailored approach makes travel to America smoother and more enjoyable.
Turn your USA travel dreams into reality.
From the hills of San Fran to the neon glow of Vegas and the awe‑inspiring Grand Canyon - a USA road trip captures the essence of American adventure. Explore our latest USA holiday deals or speak with your local House of Travel USA expert today, and start planning your ultimate holiday to America.
Explore our USA holiday deals 21
Pacific Northwest Wine Trail – Suggested Self Drive
American Heritage – Suggested Self Drive
SAVE UP TO 45%
Embassy Suites by Hilton Waikiki Beach
SAVE UP TO 40%
Prince Waikiki Hotel
Mountain Peaks of Canada and Alaska Rail and Sail
Rail Holidays on Sale
Route 66 - Westbound – Suggested Self Drive
Route 66 - Eastbound – Suggested Self Drive
Highway 1 Classic: San Diego - San Francisco – Suggested Self Drive
7 Days Touring the Mother Road: Route 66 – Suggested Self Drive
Route 66 and Texas Hill Country – Suggested Self Drive
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Coast to Coast - Seattle to New York by Rail
Pacific Northwest by Rail
The Californian - by Rail
Rhythms of the South – Suggested Self Drive
Great North Music Tour – Suggested Self Drive
Iconic Sports Stadiums – Suggested Self Drive
National Parks Explorer – Suggested Self Drive
The Civil Rights History Trail – Suggested Self Drive
Music Cities of America
Connect with a USA specialist
Courtney McCormack
House of Travel Morrinsville
Travel is truly in my blood. My grandparents sparked the travel bug in my mum, and she passed that passion on to me. From the moment I took my very first holiday at age three, a magical trip to Disneyland, I was hooked. Growing up, I listened to my mum’s stories from her OE, my cousins’ globe-trotting adventures, and my sister’s explorations, all of which fueled my own wanderlust.
Over the years, I’ve lived in Scotland, as well as in England and Ireland, soaking up different cultures and ways of life. I’ve been fortunate to travel extensively, exploring incredible destinations including Jordan, Israel, the USA, Australia & Europe. I’ve experienced the security and ease of organised solo travel with Contiki and Topdeck tours, but I’ve also embraced the challenge and freedom of planning my own trips, like eloping in Denmark, which remains one of my most cherished adventures.
With a background in hospitality, I combine practical knowledge with genuine care to craft holidays that are personalised, meaningful, and seamless. I love getting to know your unique travel style and what matters most to you, whether that’s family fun, a romantic escape, or a bucket-list adventure.
I’m not just your travel consultant; I’m your travel cheerleader. I’ll celebrate every countdown with you, smooth out any bumps along the way, and be just as excited when everything comes together perfectly. My goal is to take the stress out of travel planning, so you can focus on making memories.
Let’s work together to create a travel experience that’s not only unforgettable but uniquely yours.
Courtney
Kelly-Ann Thomas
House of Travel Lower Hutt
Travel ignites the fire in my belly, daily and I'm lucky enough to turn holiday dreams into unforgettable experiences.
I specialise in family travel, group getaways, solo adventures, and special interest trips, helping clients craft memories that last a lifetime.
A recent highlight was travelling to New York with my sister, followed by Japan, and a Christmas in Bali with my family.
Whether I'm working with long-time clients or meeting new faces each week, I'm always excited to bring personalised travel dreams to life.
Passionate about what I do, I'm always ready for the next adventure - both for my clients and my own family.
Kelly-Ann
Jo Beddard
House of Travel Blenheim
I've been involved in travel for over 30 years. It's more than a
job it's a way of life for me! I've visited close to 90 countries and I
love using my experiences to help others plan an amazing trip away.
Jo
Victoria Wales
House of Travel Christchurch City
Unmatched in her lifetime experience within the conference and incentive travel industry, Victoria heads-up HOT Events and truly delights in delivering fantastic results for our clients.
Making magic happen is Victoria's specialty. She understands what is required to deliver top experiences for delegates and incentive visitors. In high demand by both clients and colleagues alike, Victoria is keen to share her skills and works closely with the team to ensure every part of a programme, from concept delivery, is exceptional .
Although Victoria's hospitality management studies included chief training - it doesn't mean she does a lot of it now - preferring to hunt out the latest wining and dining options in town. She does bring this knowledge to the table when hosting groups on or off shore - ensuring the venue is the ideal place for the specific group's requirements.
"The best part of my job is year after year, hosting many of the same clients - I am challenged to make their experience better than the year before, and I love it!"
With her wicked sense of humour and her reputation as a people's person, Victoria is committed in delivering first class service to her clients.
Favourite place to host an event: Vietnam
Next place on the list to visit: Canada
Victoria
Best. Holidays. Ever!
Start here
Want the inside word on all things travel?
Sign up below and be the first to hear about our hottest holiday deals, flight steals, cruise deals and essential travel hints and tips from our team of travel specialists.
By signing up, you have read or have an opportunity to read the Privacy Policy, and you agree to the provisions of the Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up, we’ll be in touch soon!
Hold on a sec, adventurer! We didn't quite catch your email. Sign up again to unlock your travel dreams!
