Southern USA

The American South is a region of unforgettable flavours, legendary music, scenic road trips and rich cultural heritage. Across Alabama, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee, every destination offers its own character, stories and experiences.

From the musical heritage of Nashville and the distinctive cuisine of Louisiana to Kentucky’s celebrated bourbon country and the coastal beauty of the Carolinas, there are countless ways to experience this fascinating part of the USA.

Getting there is easier than you might think. Air New Zealand operates flights from Auckland to Houston, with onward connections into the region, while American Airlines offers seasonal flights to Dallas/Fort Worth. Connections through Los Angeles and New York provide further options, making it easy to plan an itinerary around the destinations you most want to explore.

Food is at the heart of Southern culture, shaped by generations of tradition, regional ingredients and diverse cultural influences. From Louisiana’s celebrated Cajun and Creole cuisine and fresh Gulf seafood to slow-cooked barbecue, comforting Southern favourites and Kentucky bourbon, every stop brings something different to the table.

The region’s food scene is also attracting international attention, with the MICHELIN Guide shining a spotlight on restaurants and chefs across the American South. Discover inventive contemporary dining, locally inspired menus and memorable meals that reflect the character of each destination.

Whether it’s a relaxed seafood feast, a neighbourhood restaurant or a special evening out, make room in the itinerary to discover the flavours that make the South such a rewarding place to explore.

Music is woven into the identity of the American South. Nashville is synonymous with country music, Memphis has a rich blues and soul heritage, Mississippi is deeply connected to the blues, and New Orleans’ jazz traditions have influenced music around the world.

Explore legendary music venues, visit museums dedicated to influential artists and musical movements, or enjoy live performances in intimate bars and lively neighbourhoods. From historic studios and music landmarks to the energy of a night out, the South offers opportunities to experience its musical story where it unfolded.

You don’t need to be a music expert to appreciate it. Sometimes the best discovery is simply finding a local venue, settling in and listening.

A road trip through the American South is about more than getting from one destination to the next. Missouri’s Route 66 landmarks, the winding roads of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the coastal landscapes of North and South Carolina offer very different ways to experience the region.

Travelling by car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, discover smaller towns and venture beyond the main tourist centres. It can also be a rewarding way to manage your holiday budget. Choose accommodation to suit your style, mix memorable restaurant meals with casual local favourites, and balance paid attractions with scenic drives, walking trails, beaches and time outdoors.

From national parks and mountain scenery to historic towns, coastal communities and roadside diners, there are plenty of ways to make your travel budget go further without missing out on the experiences that make a journey memorable. With thoughtful planning, one road trip can combine several destinations and a wonderful variety of experiences in a single holiday.

Allow time for detours, plan realistic driving days and consider staying a little longer in each place. Sometimes the most rewarding discoveries are the ones that weren’t on the original itinerary.

The American South’s identity is complex, diverse and deeply rooted in history. Its museums, historic districts, cultural landmarks and natural landscapes offer many ways to understand the people, events and traditions that have shaped the region.

In Kentucky, follow the celebrated Kentucky Bourbon Trail through distilleries, historic towns and beautiful countryside to discover the craft and heritage behind America’s native spirit. In Tennessee, the Tennessee Whiskey Trail connects visitors with distilleries across the state, offering an insight into the people, places and processes behind its whiskey-making traditions. Plan ahead for distillery tours and tastings, as popular experiences may need to be booked in advance.

There’s much more to explore beyond the tasting room. Discover Civil Rights landmarks in Alabama, delve into musical history at museums in Tennessee and Mississippi, or explore the architecture and distinctive cultural influences found in Louisiana. Across the region, museums and historic sites bring local stories to life, while national parks and protected landscapes offer opportunities to walk, watch wildlife and experience the South’s natural beauty.

From a day exploring a museum to an afternoon discovering a distillery or walking a forest trail, these experiences add depth and variety to a Southern USA journey.