Sponsored by Air New Zealand
Big, bold and unforgettable - Houston is the perfect gateway to the American south. With Air New Zealand offering non-stop flights to Houston, it’s never been easier to explore a region built for open-road adventures, rich culture and moments you simply can’t experience anywhere else.
Air New Zealand operates several non-stop flights each week from Auckland directly to Houston, with a flight time of around 13 hours, making it an excellent option for those wanting to head deeper into the American south. While Air New Zealand offers easy onward connections to other locations in the USA with United, why rush? Houston is also the perfect hub to explore at your own pace.
From space-age icons to small-town charm, world-class food to a car culture that’s uniquely Texan, Houston is the ideal launching point for your next great American road trip, beginning in the heart of the city as you touch down, collect your keys and head straight into Downtown Houston.
Spacious, calm and surprisingly easy to navigate, it’s the ideal place to find your bearings. Take time to explore the Houston Museum District, home to 19 world-class museums set in leafy parkland. Wander the galleries at the Museum of Fine Arts, dive into dinosaurs and gemstones at the Museum of Natural Science or simply relax among the gardens and lakes of nearby Hermann Park.
Heading out from downtown, Houston’s giant “loop” highways make neighbourhood-hopping a breeze. Each district has its own personality, and exploring them is part of the fun.
The Heights is a charming area of tree-lined streets, independent shops, vintage boutiques and craft breweries - perfect for a relaxed morning. Montrose is a creative, colourful and eclectic neighbourhood packed with galleries, cafés, murals and boutiques, and is one of Houston’s most walkable, vibrant areas, while Midtown and EaDo on the other hand is contemporary, energetic and full of life; think street art, live music, international cuisine and an easy-going nightlife scene.
Of course, no visit to Houston is complete without seeing its most famous attraction: Space Centre Houston. Home to historic Mission Control and genuine spacecraft from NASA’s Apollo, Space Shuttle and International Space Station programmes, it’s one of the world’s great science experiences.
Being the centre of the manned US space programme, Houston is a city shaped by engineering and scientific curiosity, so naturally a strong culture of collecting, modifying and appreciating machines of all kinds has evolved there, making it an ideal destination for anyone who also loves cars and the open road.
The Hemi Hideout is part museum, part shrine to Americana, and has been described as a “man-cave on steroids”. This impressive timber lodge houses a pristine collection of Hemi-powered Mopars and classic muscle cars, surrounded by glowing neon and nostalgic memorabilia. Even non-enthusiasts are captivated.
Houston’s weekends come alive with car gatherings across the city. From Coffee and Cars at Post Houston to evening meets in Katy and The Woodlands, you’ll find everything from vintage pickups to supercars - all in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere, while for those seeking action, Houston Motorsports Park offers grassroots drag racing nights, while MSR Houston provides track days and karting experiences.
Just a short drive south of Houston, the landscape shifts into a classic Gulf Coast scene - breezy, bright and perfect for an afternoon escape. Kemah Boardwalk is a lively waterfront lined with restaurants, rides and entertainment. Ideal for families or anyone who enjoys classic boardwalk fun.
Galveston Island is packed with historic Victorian streets, warm beaches, seafood shacks and the lively historic Pleasure Pier. Wander the seawall, dip your toes in the Gulf of Mexico and enjoy the relaxed pace before heading back north.
Beyond the city limits, Houston is surrounded by towns that offer a warm welcome and a glimpse into everyday Texan life, like Brenham where you can tour the facilities of the beloved Blue Bell Creameries and sample its iconic ice cream.
Katy is a blend of big outlets, great restaurants and a thriving local car scene, perfect for a lunch stop or an easy afternoon wander, while Tomball is friendly, laid-back and full of character. Think weekend markets, old-town streets, antiques and cosy bakeries.
Houston is also one of America’s most diverse and delicious food destinations. Its culinary influences span the globe, and the result is a city where every meal can be an adventure.
From slow-smoked Texas BBQ and authentic Tex-Mex to Vietnamese, Filipino and South Asian favourites, and modern fusion restaurants wherever you drive in Houston, great food is never far away.
Vibrant neighbourhoods, iconic attractions, coastal escapes and open-road adventures — Houston offers a little of everything, all within easy driving distance. With Air New Zealand providing smooth connections to the USA, your next American road trip begins the moment you step onboard. Houston is waiting - and the keys are ready.
A weekend away, Houston style
With wide highways and open horizons in every direction, Houston is perfectly placed for longer weekend escapes. Whether you’re chasing scenic roads, Americana charm or world-class motorsport, these destinations deliver unforgettable drives.
Austin and Circuit of The Americas
The ultimate road trip for motorsport fans. Head west to Austin (a two and a half hour drive from Houston), home of Circuit of The Americas (COTA) - the only purpose-built Formula One track in the US and host of the United States Grand Prix. Even outside race weekend, COTA offers karting, track tours, racing schools and special events. Pair it with a night in Austin’s buzzing food and music scene for the perfect motorsport getaway.
San Antonio and the Texas Motorsport Ranch
San Antonio’s historic charm - including the River Walk and The Alamo - is just three hours from Houston and pairs well with a visit to the Texas Motorsport Ranch, where performance driving events, track rentals and enthusiast gatherings are held throughout the year. A great blend of culture, history and petrol-fuelled thrills.
Dallas-Fort Worth and Texas Motor Speedway
Three and a half hours north of Houston is the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, home to the Texas Motor Speedway, one of the largest and fastest oval tracks in America. Depending on timing, you can catch NASCAR events, IndyCar races, track tours or fan days. The surrounding region also hosts regular car meets and classic-car museums worth exploring.
College Station and Texas World Speedway Legacy Site
Just over an hour away from Houston, the Texas World Speedway now lives on as part of automotive folklore. While the track - once one of America’s fastest superspeedways - is no longer operational, the area remains a pilgrimage point for enthusiasts, and the drive through pastoral farmland is peaceful and restorative.
Galveston and the Gulf Coast
For a more leisurely motoring weekend, follow the freeway south for an hour to the ocean. Galveston’s long seawall, beach roads and historic streets make it ideal for relaxed cruising.
Car clubs often meet along the waterfront, especially on warm mornings. Continue further down the coast for quiet beach towns and sunset views.
Texas Hill Country
For a more laid-back weekend, the rolling landscapes, sweeping curves and quiet two-lane roads make the Hill Country a favourite among driving enthusiasts. A three hour drive from Houstin, you can base yourself in Fredericksburg or Kerrville and explore vineyards, scenic lookouts and classic diners. With its big skies and long, flowing roads, this region feels tailor-made for weekend cruising.
A region made for drivers
From F1 glory at COTA to wide-open backroads, lighthouse-dotted coastlines and big-sky countryside, the areas surrounding Houston offer some of the most rewarding weekend drives in the US. It’s the perfect excuse to pick a direction, turn up the music and go!
