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 19
Pacific Northwest Wine Trail – Suggested Self Drive
American Heritage – Suggested Self Drive
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
AMAZING SAVINGS
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Romer House Waikiki
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
The Laylow Waikiki, Autograph Collection
Music Cities of America
Connect with a USA specialist
Megan McKay
House of Travel Hornby
I have a passion for all things travel and cannot wait to help ensure you have the best experience possible!
Megan
Bridget Hanrahan
House of Travel Prestons
Bridget has an amazing collection of knowledge from 21 years creating wonderful itineraries for all her clients. She takes the role of research very seriously from finding the finest cocktail to ensuring everyone has the best activity tips!
Her knowledge in cruising, as well as other adventure and family travel combined with her easy approachable manner takes the pain out of planning your trip of a lifetime.
"Designing unique travel experiences is my passion. My attention to detail and always looking for exclusive options ensures that all client's experiences are seamless right from the initial enquiry".
When Bridget is not pouring over brochures for inspiration, you can find her having a game of tennis, finding the next best HOT Chocolate, or spending time with her family.
"Travel is the healthiest addiction" - Anonymous
Why I love travel:
For me life is about experiences, not things! I love exploring new places, cultures, environments. I see travel for me as an addiction - I just can't stay away and helping people is so rewarding.
My travel tips:
- Travel as soon as you can, don't delay as life is too short.
- If you want an adventure head to Antarctica or the Arctic before anywhere else.
- Always carry a change of clothes, any valuables and medication in your carry-on luggage. The House of Travel online brochures are a great source of information when planning your journey then we can finetune your holiday for you.
My top 5 destinations:
- Africa- Serengeti plains!!! Perfect place to go to create family memories with our young adult kids! Adventure to encounter wildlife and camping in the Serengeti!
- Dubai- the mix of culture, sights, architecture, markets, desert and the malls - even though shopping is not my thing.
- Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska - I was incredibly fortunate to have a family holiday in Canada, Alaska, Las Vegas and California and I'll never forget rafting on the Nenana River, rounding a bend to see a moose and her two calves taking a drink …. we all forgot to keep paddling; it was an incredible sight!
- Rome - the history and the chaos of a bustling city it offers so much culture with a cool vibe.
- Thailand - I lived near Chiang Mai as an exchange student many years ago and have been back to the country three times. It is great for families, couples, singles with so much to see and do.
What's in my suitcase?
- Happiness - I'm always in my happy place as soon as I travel.
- Active wear - Our holidays always include adventure and plenty of travel.
- A copy of my passport and insurance policy number and phone number, in case I lose my carryon bag and phone.
Bridget
Gemma Pearce
House of Travel Barrington
I love turning people's dreams into reality and enjoy sharing my travel experiences.
Travel is my passion and I feel it’s the only thing you can buy that makes you richer!
Gemma
Rebecca Moss
House of Travel Whangarei
I am delighted to share the exciting news of my return to House of Travel after a brief break from the travel industry. I am thrilled to continue my travel career, which spans over 17 years. It all began when I entered the industry as a travel consultant and eventually progressed to assistant office manager. I developed a strong fascination with the wholesale operation, which inspired me to delve deeper into that specific aspect of the business.
This experience further ignited my desire to embark on my second Overseas Experience (O.E.) As a result, I left New Zealand and had the opportunity to work as a travel agent in both Australia and Ireland. Upon my return to New Zealand, I seized a valuable position as a sales representative for Malaysian Airlines before finally joining House of Travel at the beginning of 2017.
During my travels, I have been fortunate to explore 18 countries, and among them, Hawaii holds a special place as one of my favorite destinations. Exploring the Waikele premium outlets, basking in the sun on beautiful beaches, snorkelling with turtles along the Maui coastline, and embarking on the exhilarating Haleakala Zipline adventure—this destination offers the perfect all-in-one holiday experience for me.
Cruising, indulging in luxury travel, and enjoying beach breaks are my passions, although I am not averse to a touch of adventure. Witnessing the awe-inspiring Chichen Itza Mayan ruins in Mexico and conquering the ascent of Mount Kinabalu in Sabah were both remarkable personal achievements.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of my profession is assisting clients in creating their ideal travel experiences. I take great pleasure in hearing about their favorite moments and highlights upon their return.
Best. Holidays. Ever!
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