Explore Texas & The South

There is something about the American South that feels larger than life. The sounds, the flavours, the history, and the characters all come together in a way that feels different from anywhere else. For Kiwi travellers planning USA road trips, Texas and the Southern states are packed with personality. Whether you are drawn to the live music of Nashville, the cowboy charm of Fort Worth, or the jazz rhythms echoing through New Orleans, the South is full of small surprises and big moments.

Every stop tells a story. Every meal sticks with you. Whether you love country roads, spicy food, or a deep dive into some of America’s most curious corners, road travel here is about more than the mileage. It is about stringing together experiences that really stay with you. And when it is planned just for your style, it is even better.

Discover the Heart and Soul of Texas

Texas delivers wide open roads and tight-knit towns in equal measure. It is a state that feels like its own country, and the variety from city to city is just part of the draw.

• Austin has become a favourite for its live music scene, creative edge, and street food culture. It feels young, fun, and walkable, especially near Lady Bird Lake and South Congress. Austin also known for the Bridges of the bats, something unique to the city which has created a huge tourist attraction worldwide.

• Houston is modern and multicultural, known for its museums, massive art installations, and space travel history, with the famous words “Houston we have a problem”. It has serious food depth too, from Cajun flavours to classic Tex-Mex.

• Fort Worth keeps its cowboy roots out front. You can visit the Stockyards, catch a rodeo, and learn about frontier life. With the Stockyards having unique dining options serving authentic Texas barbecue, along with line dancing at Billy Bobs. Pairing Fort Worth with Dallas showcases the contrast between old and new.

• San Antonio gives travellers a slower rhythm, with the famous River Walk, Latin influence, and historical sites like The Alamo. The city invites you to linger, with its warmth and welcoming charm.

Planning a custom trip through Texas lets you balance big city energy with quieter stops. At Travel USA, we specialise in creating personalised Texas holidays for Kiwis, combining major destinations with unique regional towns. Our self-drive packages can include stays at guest ranches, scenic drives through the Hill Country, and time exploring Texas’s renowned wine regions. Texas’s diversity means that your journey can focus on music, history, food, or take in a bit of everything, with endless combinations for a meaningful experience.

Music, Mountains and Memphis: The Sounds of Tennessee

Tennessee is one of those places where music is not just background noise. It is part of the daily rhythm. From the moment you step onto Honky Tonk Highway in Nashville, the sound of live performances pouring out of bars is unforgettable.

Nashville suits those who love seeing where music is made. You can visit the Country Music Hall of Fame, see a show at the Grand Ole Opry, or wander between venues, never knowing who will take the stage next. And when you are not listening, you are eating hot chicken, biscuits, and local brews.

In Memphis, the energy kicks up another notch. Home to Sun Studio, Graceland, and the Blues Hall of Fame, it brings rock ‘n’ roll history up close. Memphis also offers historical depth at the National Civil Rights Museum, giving insight into the South’s complex past and present.

Combining Nashville and Memphis works beautifully in a self-drive itinerary, and we often add days in Chattanooga or the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains for scenery and local culture. With Travel USA, your Tennessee journey can include anything from studio tours to private whiskey tastings, all designed for New Zealand travellers. Local hospitality sets the tone throughout Tennessee, making each stop memorable in its own way.

Louisiana Vibes and the Magic of New Orleans

New Orleans is like nowhere else in America. It is a place that pulls flavours, architecture, and rhythms from different cultures, creating something entirely its own.

Start in the French Quarter. There is live jazz on street corners, iron balconies, and the scent of gumbo drifting out of old cafés. Whether it is beignets at a local bakery or street performers near Jackson Square, the small details bring it all to life.

New Orleans suits trips with a plan. A thoughtful itinerary allows you to time your visit with local events like Sunday brass bands, Frenchmen Street music nights, or festivals such as Mardi Gras. Beyond the city, bayou adventures, plantation homes, and quiet fishing villages are just a drive away.

For those curious about food and culture, New Orleans offers one highlight after the next. Travel USA can add authentic local experiences to your holiday, from culinary tours to guided walks through the city’s must-see historic districts. Whether you enjoy visiting famous landmarks or discovering small neighbourhoods filled with lively traditions, New Orleans rewards curiosity and invites you to linger a little longer.

Road Tripping Your Way: The Joy of a Southern Self-Drive

USA road trips across the South offer variety without long distances. Major cities are often only a few hours apart, with the drives themselves revealing smaller towns full of character.

• Pair Nashville and Memphis with stops in Tupelo or Muscle Shoals for music history and small-town charm.

• Austin and San Antonio link perfectly via the Texas Hill Country, home to hiking trails, wineries, and pecan pie spots you will remember well after the trip.

• The Natchez Trace Parkway is a scenic alternative to the main highway, winding through Mississippi and dotted with historic sites, nature walks, and picturesque picnic stops.

Travel USA specialises in creating self-drive holidays combining these highlights with hand-picked accommodations and expert local tips. Every trip can be fine-tuned for your travel interests, from family-friendly adventures to routes focused on live music or Southern cuisine like Salt Lick BBQ, some of the best in the country. With flexible distances between cities, you have plenty of time to stop and explore hidden gems or catch a festival in a small town.

Why the South Loves Outdoor Adventure Too

National Parks in the Southern states are underappreciated, but truly rewarding when woven into a road trip.

• Big Bend National Park in western Texas offers vast desert views and stunning treks, natural hot springs, and some of the clearest stargazing in the US, all near the Mexico border.

• The Great Smoky Mountains, shared by Tennessee and North Carolina, showcase wildflower meadows, waterfalls, and walking tracks for all levels, with Gatlinburg Skybridge being the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the US provides an unbelievable experience.

• State parks in Louisiana and Mississippi are perfect for paddle trails, swamp walks, and birdwatching, ideal if you want to break up city visits with time in the open air.

Our South itineraries can include park entry, activity bookings, and accommodation to help you experience both the cities and the landscapes at your own pace. Outdoor enthusiasts can choose everything from gentle hikes and river trips to backcountry drives or picnics in shady forests. Often, these wild spaces become highlights that balance out the city energy and offer new perspectives on Southern culture and scenery.

Make Your Southern USA Story Unforgettable

The American South delivers more variation than many expect. There are days full of music, city lights, and legendary barbecue, and others when you are far out in open country, windows down and nothing but the skyline ahead. The locals share their stories, and every stop feels a little different.

With Travel USA’s expertise, experience and dedicated support for New Zealand travellers, you can trust that your trip is looked after from planning to arrival. We offer a complete service, from flights and car hire or RV to exclusive local activities and sightseeing and your insurance covered too, so you focus on enjoying every state and story.

When the sights, sounds, and flavours of the South are calling, we’re here to help you plan something truly special. From the country tunes in Nashville to the wide skies of West Texas, our personalised routes bring your journey to life. Our tailormade approach to USA road trips means every stop can match your style, whether your interests are food, music, history, or a little bit of everything. At Travel USA, we handle all the puzzle pieces so your next holiday feels easy. Let’s start mapping out your adventure, contact us today.