The New Zealand military is involved in exercises with Canada, Japan and the US, aimed at preparing them for a real world situation.

Dawn Blitz is taking place in Southern California, and will culminate with a joint ship to shore landing tomorrow.

There have been plenty of exercises already, including Navy divers simulating finding underwater mines with US divers.

Chief Petty Officer Diver Bevan Wilson, who's part of the New Zealand Navy dive team, says it's the first joint exercise with the Americans.

"I think it's important for us but also even more important at a higher level so that they can understand how each nation works so if we do ever have to come together it makes it a lot easier from the top level all the way down to the guys who that are in the water."

"Knowing each other's capabilities, what we can offer each other and just working together so we can work side by side and have a better understanding on each other's capabilities really."

A total of 5000 soldiers and sailors are taking part, along with observers from seven other countries.