Your fave Kiwi airline never stops giving, as 8 lucky agents recently found out on the Air New Zealand and NYC Tourism + Conventions’ epic famil. We’ve got all the goss and can reveal what the agents got up to, what their highlights were, and how you can stay in the loop for any future famils.
While any time of year is an idyllic time to visit New York, May is especially great as spring is in full swing, flowers are blooming, and the temperature is pretty much perfect.
Does that make the eight agents who nabbed spots by completing Air New Zealand’s Bound for NYC campaign in duo lucky? We think so, as they jetted off to New York City last month in May.
While we were (sadly) left behind, we can all thankfully travel vicariously through Donna, Sophie, Brook, Liam, Evan, Lisa, Marissa, and Mel today! We share the top moments from their New York City fam.
I <3 the flight
Of course, the highlight of any Air New Zealand famil is getting the opportunity to experience Air New Zealand’s legendary hospitality, innovative cabin experience, and top-notch Kiwi cuisine firsthand.
This was especially true for the NYC fam, as agents were heading on Air New Zealand’s new direct service from AKL to JFK. While Air New Zealand has all manner of ways to ensure its passengers can enjoy a restful flight, we’re not sure anyone got any sleep for the excitement ahead!
I <3 the hotels
Staying in Midtown Manhattan is a dream location as it’s in the heart of those iconic NYC attractions. The agents and hosts split their time between two Hilton properties during their 5-day visit.
With two nights at the Hilton Midtown, the jammy agents had access to Broadway and Times Square only blocks away. Plus, the fabulous Museum of Modern Art is right opposite!
The nearby residential-style accommodation at the Conrad Midtown wowed the fam participants. Especially the swanky all-suite rooms and hotel’s vast art collection.
I <3 New York
As you can see from this highlights reel, vibes were high as the agents explored the city that never sleeps!
Literal HIGHlights included breathtaking views from One World Observatory – the highest point in NYC – the Top of the Rock Observation Deck, and the arty, techy, stunning SUMMIT One Vanderbilt.
Liam shared, “For me, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt was an observation deck experience like nothing I’d ever done, and is now my favourite recommendation. We were lucky to have an incredible group and with a packed itinerary, 4.5 days felt like 4 weeks”.
Back at ground level, agents got to grips with everything amazing at Midtown Manhattan’s coolest neighbourhood, Chelsea, on a private tour with Like A Local Tours. This included a visit to Chelsea Market and time along the High Line, the enchanting above-ground park created on old railway lines.
Seeing Brooklyn by bike showcased the city in a new and energising way. That the tour also included Brooklyn’s tastiest treats made it a popular excursion!
Mel told us, “Brooklyn by bike, an absolute highlight! From bagels to the bridge views, a tour I would never think to book for myself and a part of New York I had never explored. Now I suggest it to everyone, it’s a must”.
New York is famous for its creativity, so it’s no surprise that the fam included two artsy stops. The on-trend Hall des Lumières digital art centre and the always-fabulous Museum of Modern Art.
Can you really go to NYC without seeing a Broadway show? Of course not! We wish we could have swapped seats with the agents, trading our desk chairs for the comfy theatre seats at Harry Potter and the Cursed Child play! Visiting the Broadway Museum early in the stay would have only added to the excitement of seeing a live show.
As he reflected on the amazing trip, Evan said, “From biking through Brooklyn to admiring the world’s most iconic skyline from multiple observation decks – it is hard not to fall in love with this city”.
I <3 more deets
Inspired by the cool attractions, fabulous hotels, and countless ways to explore New York City? Book your clients on their own trip to New York City with Air New Zealand.
If you’re at FOMO level 100 after reading about the fam’s highlights, make sure you’re registered on Air New Zealand’s travel trade platform, duo. All fam news drops first on duo! Register here.
We want to thank all the incredible suppliers who hosted the group and shared the sights, sounds and tastes of New York City: New York Hilton Midtown, Conrad New York Midtown, 9/11 Memorial & Museum, One World Observatory, Hall des Lumières, 33 Seaport Hotel, Tin Building by Jean Georges, The Museum of Broadway, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, Like a Local Tours, Ritz-Carlton NoMad, The Williamsburg Hotel, Brooklyn Bike Tour, Ace Hotel Brooklyn, The Madison Avenue Business Improvement District, The Carlyle Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel New York, Broadway Inbound, MoMA (Museum of Modern Art), Rockefeller Center, Carmel Car & Limousine Service, Ellen’s Stardust Diner.
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