The Route 66 centennial is here in 2026, and for Kiwi road trippers, it is a rare chance to experience a slice of classic Americana at just the right time. This is not any old highway. It is the “Mother Road” that stretches from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California, connecting heartland towns and big cities across eight states.
What makes Route 66 special is not just its history. It is the little things along the way: diners straight out of the 1950s, old motels lit by neon signs, wide skies, and quiet roads perfect for rolling down the window and hitting play on a good road trip playlist. For anyone considering Route 66 tours from NZ, this centennial celebration gives even more reason to lock it in. Early summer in the US brings long daylight hours, mild conditions, and plenty of time to stop, wander, and soak it all in.
The History Behind the Highway
Route 66 was first established in November 1926. Back then, it was seen as a lifeline between America’s heartland and the Pacific Coast. It gave workers a path west during the Great Depression, brought business to small-town shops and gas stations, and helped shape the American road trip culture we still know today.
Travelling this road today offers a sense of nostalgia. You are not just covering distance. You are moving through a century of stories and change, with signs of the past proudly on display from Illinois through to California. As the centennial year rolls out, more attention will be on the places that kept Route 66 alive long after the interstate system came through. Planning ahead gives you the chance to catch centennial tributes and community events that make the trip even more meaningful.
Highlights Along Route 66
The full stretch of Route 66 runs for more than 3,900 kilometres, and even if you do not drive it all, the highlights come quickly in any section.
Some stops are almost too iconic to miss:
• Cadillac Ranch near Amarillo, Texas, is a row of brightly painted cars sticking straight up out of a desert field. Bring a spray can and leave your mark.
• The Blue Whale of Catoosa in Oklahoma offers a quirky photo stop by a pond that used to be part of a family-run swimming spot.
• End your road trip with the Pacific breeze on the Santa Monica Pier, where Route 66 officially wraps up.
But that is just the start. Smaller towns like Seligman, Arizona, and Tucumcari, New Mexico, add that extra spark with aged neon signs, Wild West shopfronts, and long-empty highways that still feel full of life. The combination creates a sense of travel through living history along one remarkable road. Mix in places like Albuquerque and Springfield for more variety, from Native American art markets to downtown diners that still serve pies like grandma used to. Each stop adds another layer, making your journey more memorable.
Taking the Journey: Tailormade for Kiwis
A classic self-drive trip like Route 66 is not about ticking boxes. It is about building days to match the way you like to travel. Some go all-in for three weeks to cover the whole thing, while others break it into sections to match the holiday schedule. Either way, having a personalised plan makes everything smoother.
Most Kiwis prefer to travel with flexibility. That means exploring quirky roadside stops without rushing, staying longer in the big-name towns, and working in unique stays like retro caravan motels or frontier-style lodges. A Route 66 trip can be adapted to just a week or stretched into a wider USA road trip that includes the Pacific Coast, Las Vegas, or the Grand Canyon.
There is no single way to do it. If the drive has rhythm, direction, and a few well-timed stops for fuel (of all kinds), the memories create themselves. Flexibility makes the experience genuinely special for every traveller.
Route 66 and the National Parks
For anyone who enjoys open space, scenic hikes, or photographing landscapes, Route 66 has access to some of the country’s top National Parks.
• Petrified Forest National Park, located right along the Arizona stretch, is filled with colourful fossilised wood, ancient desert landscapes, and quiet walks among rock formations.
• Grand Canyon National Park is just a short detour north from Route 66 and well worth adding at least a night or two. Even a half day here feels unforgettable.
• In California, Mojave National Preserve has dunes, Joshua trees, and craters, all within easy reach of your westbound route.
Including these stops brings diversity and balance to your itinerary. These parks offer peaceful moments and scenic beauty in contrast to the buzzing small towns. Adding these stops lifts the trip beyond motels and roadside signs. If you are planning to include National Parks, it is useful to map out your nights ahead of time based on park entry points and open routes. Being flexible with your timing can help you avoid crowds and enjoy the landscape at your own pace.
Planning Ahead for the 2026 Celebrations
With 2026 marking 100 years of Route 66, many places along the way are planning centennial celebrations. That could mean local parades, photography shows, live music events, or historic vehicle rallies. These are expected to kick off throughout the year, so booking early means front-row access to something special.
Some of the classic places along the route have limited places to stay, especially in smaller towns or near National Parks. Booking early helps you secure space at iconic and nostalgic properties known for their unique character. You will also avoid the common pinch points like holiday weekends and peak traffic in city zones.
We are New Zealand’s only dedicated USA travel specialist, providing expert help for tailor-made USA road trips and group tours from NZ. We offer flexible customised packages, including car and motorcycle rentals, motorhome hire, and exclusive deals with boutique hotels along historic Route 66, all designed to match the pace and interests of New Zealand travellers.
Planning Route 66 tours from NZ involves more than rental cars and routes. It is about knowing where to pause and what to squeeze in. With the interest already building for the centennial, now is a smart time to map things out.
Why Choose a Specialist for Your Route 66 Adventure?
Booking your centennial Route 66 experience with a Travel USA specialist ensures a streamlined and stress-free journey. With access to up-to-date travel tips and insider knowledge about the best stops and seasonal events, you can experience historic Route 66 your way, from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California. We also offer assistance with flights, travel insurance, and add-ons like National Park passes and city stays, so you can personalise your adventure from start to finish.
Expert support can make a real difference, especially for planning around special events or during high-demand travel windows. This approach allows you to focus on having a memorable trip rather than worrying about logistics. You will benefit from recommendations that align with your specific interests, allowing you to build an experience that feels truly your own.
The Road Trip You’ll Never Forget
There are plenty of highways in the US, but none with the same appeal as Route 66. For some, it is the nostalgia. For others, it is the steady beat of roadside surprises, perfectly paced between long stretches that let you take it easy.
The 100-year marker gives the trip more excitement. It means new pop-ups, added spirit in the towns, and a few more breakfast tables sharing stories of the highway’s history. Whether you go the full distance or join for part of the ride, that feeling of being part of something bigger sticks. The open road is calling. For Kiwis ready to chase it, 2026 is shaping up to be the perfect time.
Dreaming of driving the legendary Mother Road? Now’s the perfect time to start planning. We’ve created a Kiwi-friendly itinerary that captures the best of the centennial celebrations, all at your own pace. From quirky pit stops to iconic motels and breathtaking National Parks, our personalised approach means your trip really can feel like something out of a movie. Take a look at our recommended plan and get inspired with our take on Route 66 tours from NZ. When you’re ready to turn your Americana road trip into reality check out our suggested Route 66 itinerary under Road Trips or all the 8 states along the way from Illinois to California, and connect with Travel USA and let’s build your perfect Route 66 holiday together.
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Napier, NZ
We’ve been back a week and had time to reflect on what was a fantastic trip to Colorado and Chicago. Thanks for all your assistance with our trip – it was the best US trip we have had so far
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Wellington, NZ
Amazing Travel USA – Andrew’s attunement to us resulted in great options. We were provided with responsive communication and efficiency that enhanced our USA plans, so adventure was fun and easy. Highly recommended.
Kerry M
New Plymouth, NZ
We could not have done it ourselves and Travel USA’s instructions were ON-POINT! We liked the mix of transport that was organised for us ie. bus, ferry and rail which made for an interesting experience. Accommodation was brilliant throughout and the Faraway at Martha’s Vineyard was the most interesting hotel we have ever stayed at – we even had a record player in our room with 2 LP’s – one of them a Bob Dylan album!
Derek & Kaye W
Kapiti Coast, NZ
Huge thanks to Travel USA and especially Andrew for making our trip so easy and enjoyable! Andrew was amazing from the moment we started planning, he went above and beyond. His knowledge, travel tips, and thoughtful check-ins made the whole trip completely seamless and his attention to detail and genuine care took all the stress out of travelling. Highly recommend Travel USA for anyone wanting a hassle-free, expertly planned adventure.
Shauna M
New Plymouth, NZ
I have been telling everyone and anyone who says they are interested in travelling to America to get in touch with you as we really had the most amazing time. We really can’t thank you enough for your exceptional service during our recent trip to the states. Your attention to detail, organisation, and approachability truly made all the difference in ensuring we had a smooth and enjoyable experience. (The highlight was definitely the pick-up truck you organised – you hit the nail on the head with that one!)
You really paid attention to what we wanted to get out of our trip, and everything was planned in such detail, and ran smoothly. Your expert recommendations were spot on, and we felt so well taken care of the entire time. Thanks to you, we had an unforgettable time, and we’re already talking about planning our next adventure with you to the Yellowstone country! I hope we can work together again soon in the not so distant future 🙂 Thank you again!
Dani J
Waikato, NZ
We were very pleased with the itinerary Travel USA arranged for us, there was a good mix of accommodation and towns. The travel distance each day was just right giving us plenty of time to do other things each day. Florence was a lovely little town and because we were there on a Friday night, we had the added bonus of enjoying their once a month street markets and open air live music, it was a lovely night. We also appreciated the contact you made while we away advising us of things to pre book etc. There is a lot to think about especially as we were a group of 8 and sometimes 10. We would definitely recommend your services to other people, and by using your expertise it took the stress away from us as a group trying to decide what to do.
Gwyneth M
New Plymouth, NZ
Just wanted to thank you both for your suggestions, hotel choices and how smoothly our trip went with the planning you all did. We had a truly fabulous trip, that suited us perfectly. We said it is actually uncanny how with just phone communications and emails with strangers your selections were just so us. We will definitely recommend Travel USA and will be in touch when we travel to the states again, next time. Cannot rate you highly enough with your expertise and knowledge. With appreciation and heartfelt thanks.
Sue T
Port Waikato, NZ
Now that we are back from our holiday to the States, I just want to say thank you for your part in organising an amazing itinerary for us. We had such an awesome time. We loved experiencing New York and everything it has to offer; we were pleased to be staying 8 nights there. The Go City Pass you recommended made visiting each attraction easy and it encouraged us to get out and explore. The rest of our itinerary went without any problems, the accommodation you selected was very well located, making it easy for us to get around without needing transport. We had a lot of fun. Back to the routine of work now – thanks again for everything.
Deidre C
New Plymouth, NZ
I reached out to Andrew after struggling for inspiration for an upcoming USA road trip. He came up with some great ideas and options I hadn’t thought of …. offering itineraries I might like …. a huge resource!
Thank you so much Travel USA!
Patrick D
Auckland, NZ
Andrew assisted me with a group booking of 5 couples travelling to the USA for 5 weeks. They wanted to do a “road trip” through the Southern States and spend time in New York. Andrew’s knowledge of the USA is an incredible asset to people planning to travel here, he put together an awesome route, recommended great hotels in the best locations and had so much information on city passes, things to do and places of interest. As a travel agent I found that Travel USA had the best contacts and information from everything from rental cars, hotels, shows, tours etc and they outlined all of this in very detailed itineraries ready to give straight to my clients. He provided a professional detailed itinerary for the group that went 100% perfectly. Andrew made my job easy, and my clients were extremely happy with their holiday plans. I will definitely be using Andrew and his company in the future and would recommend anyone when planning to go to the USA to use their services.
Caroline N
New Plymouth, NZ
Travel USA impressed me with their exceptional customer service, attention to detail, and personalised approach prior to my trip. From the initial inquiry, Andrew was responsive, knowledgeable, and dedicated to understanding my travel preferences. Their planning with thoughtful recommendations showcases a high level of attention to detail, ensuring that every aspect of my trip was well taken care of.
