Mike Yardley: Banner experiences in New York City

As one of the world’s most electric cities, with a head-swirl of landmark attractions, don’t bite off more than you chew when planning a swing with New York City. The Big Apple is best enjoyed in bite-sized chunks. Ruthlessly choose a select platter of experiences and take the time to savour them. I highly recommend saving yourself some serious dollars by locking in a New York CityPASS, which bundles together a bunch of headline experiences, whether you want to see savour three, five or ten banner attractions. You’ll save around 40% off admission prices with a CityPASS and the My CityPASS keeps the booking and entry process seamlessly stress-free.    

After paying my respects to the victims of the World Trade Center atrocity at the 9/11 Memorial Museum and the Ground Zero reflecting pools, I headed uptown to Central Park and the iconic museums, starting with the dinosaur-sized American Museum of Natural History (yes, dinosaurs are included). You probably won’t bump into Ben Stiller, but the feverish popularity of the movie brand has reinforced the fame of this museum. When you’ve had your fill of natural wonder, take a leisurely walk across Central Park to the Upper East Side, where 5th Avenue, from 82nd to 104 street, is lovingly lauded as Museum Mile.

9/11 Memorial Reflecting Pool. Photo / Wikimedia.

The Guggenheim is probably best known for its eye-catching exterior than for the masterpieces that it contains. Frank Lloyd Wright’s striking modernist dome design is a triumph, but after walking the grand curvaceous ramp to enter the building, you’ll be treated to a plethora of works from the modern masters, including Picasso, Kadinsky and van Gogh. Widely considered as one the world’s leading art galleries, The Met (Metropolitan Museum of Art) spans 5000 years of humanity, with a spell-binding collection of over two million works.  You’ll have to pick and choose what you want to peruse, unless you’re in town for a week, but, for me, the unmissables are the New American Wing and the Egyptian Treasures.   

I still think one of the best ways to survey Manhattan’s architectural majesty is to hop on board a New York Harbour cruise. Circle Line Cruises not only serves up ravishing skyline vistas but zips you across to Lady Liberty and Ellis Island. To accentuate the experience, commune with Lady Liberty, with a tour right up to the statue’s lofty top. Back on land, head down 12th Avenue’s Hudson River waterfront to delight in a treasure trove of big boys toys at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. Home to the legendary Intrepid aircraft carrier, that survived multiple kamikaze attacks in World War II, the museum boasts over 30 restored aircraft, a wealth of interactive, high-tech, multi-sensory exhibits. Other standouts include the British Airways Concorde and the Space Shuttle Enterprise. 

Lady Liberty on the Circle Line Cruise. Photo / Mike Yardley 

There’s a stack of lofty observation decks that CityPASS embraces, including the Edge at Hudson Yards, the Empire State Building and Top of The Rock. I would strongly recommend the latter, because the Rockefeller Center’s lofty location is perfectly positioned to soak up the sheer heft of the skyscrapers that soar like a commercial forest in mid-town Manhattan. They’ve added some interesting touches to the observation deck, including the option of being photographed sitting on a swinging steel beam, just as those intrepid construction workers were, a century ago.  If you’d rather take in those iconic views with a cocktail or two, head straight to Times Square. After getting your fill of the technicoloured sensory overload head up to Bar 54 in the Hyatt Centric. This is NYC’s highest roof-top bar so it’s a celestial spot to toast the sunset with a colourful cocktail or two. I highly recommend the Gangs of New York cocktail, a Manhattan meets Whisky Sour, enhanced by maraschino cherries. 

Riding the beat at the top of The Rock. Photo / Mike Yardley 

Backing on to leafy Bryant Park, the New York Public Library is another screen legend that has featured in multiple films. Even if you’re not feeling bookish, pop in to savour the Treasures collection on the ground floor, spanning everything from Shakespeare’s first folio and Charles Dickens’s desk to Winnie the Pooh and friends. The original soft toys belonged to Christopher Robin Milne and were given to the library by the publisher in 1987, where they have undergone careful conservation and restoration. Earlier this year, Queen Camilla gifted the library a replacement Roo, because the original was lost in the 1930s. The new Roo was crafted by Merrythought, the historic British toy manufacturer that made the original stuffed animals in the 1920s. 

Winnie and friends at the NY Public Library. Photo / Mike Yardley 

For another dose of living history, head to the Waldorf Astoria, which has reopened after it underwent a massive eight-year, multibillion-dollar closure and renovation. The historic property has been transformed from a pure 1,400-room hotel into a mixed-use building with 375 hotel rooms and private condos. The monumental restoration has preserved key Art Deco elements, the 1893 World’s Fair clock, and revitalised public spaces like Peacock Alley. For a lunch to remember, book a table at Lex Yard, a swanky new American brasserie in a swish Art Deco setting. Given this hotel created it – I ordered up a Waldorf Salad, freshly reimagined with a celery root remoulade, walnuts and pea shoots. The Arctic char with beans, broccoli and peppers is divine, too. 

Dreaming of indulging in a splashy, effervescent stay in the Big Apple? Lording above Midtown Manhattan in one of the city’s original skyscraper hotels, The Peninsula New York beckons as a world-class sanctuary of luxury in the heart of the metropolis. Beginning life as the Gotham over 120 years ago, the hotel’s boldly rendered Neo-Italian Renaissance tower oozes old-world grandeur. Entering this haven of calm, interiors exude sophisticated, understated luxury. Magnificent dual staircases lead to the main restaurant and reception area, crowned with a gorgeous crystal chandelier. 

Main entrance of The Peninsula. Photo / Peninsula Hotels 

Even the smallest of the 235 rooms is sizable by New York standards, so you’ll relish the generous sense of space. Accommodations have been recently refreshed to reveal elegant, user-friendly and comfortable quarters, classically designed with a calming rich chocolate and milk ivory palette with blue accents, artful lighting and an abundance of texture. Tech-touches are laid on thick for staying connected and charged. Tablet technology in 11 languages controls lighting, room temperature, the television and more. My gorgeous room had the most enthralling view down onto Fifth Ave and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The king-size bed was cloud-comfortable, and the expansive stone bathroom included a deep marble bathtub, walk-in shower and branded toiletries. 

For on-site dining, head to Clement, an elegant space serving modern American fare, for breakfast, lunch and weekend brunch, including a buffet on Sundays. Breakfast features buttermilk pancakes, malted Belgian waffles, and a variety of egg dishes including huevos rancheros and a lobster scramble. Their Eggs Benedict was perfectly executed with Canadian bacon and housemade fries. In a nod to the hotel’s legacy, Gotham Lounge is a divine seasonal spot for sipping retro-inspired cocktails and savouring dishes in a blissed-out atmosphere. In the city that never sleeps, take the lift to the 23rd floor and quaff cocktails at PenTop – the hotel’s reimagined and oh-so chic rooftop bar with dazzling views of the night lights. 

As you’d expect from The Peninsula, if the body needs some serious pampering, there’s a world-class spa at your convenience, featuring the full range of treatments from body wraps to reflexology. There’s also a gorgeous glass-enclosed pool, top-of-the-line gym, and a sprawling sun terrace. This is a frequent venue for Vogue magazine shoots. For added indulgence, a house BMW and driver are available for jaunts within 15 blocks of the hotel. Personable, attentive and gracious hospitality positively shines at this hotel, all making for a truly memorable stay in the sparkling heart of Manhattan.  

The pool at The Peninsula. Photo / Peninsula Hotels

Flying three times weekly between Auckland and New York City non-stop, travel in comfort with Air New Zealand on the well-timed overnight flights across the Pacific. Powered by Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, the airline is completing the retrofit programme to its Dreamliners, offering fresh comfort and space across the cabins. Stretch out with Economy Skycouch or upgrade to Premium Economy or Business Premier for the ultimate in-flight experience. Economy Skynest - the world's first sleep pods in the sky - is now open for bookings on select ultra long-haul flights between Auckland and New York, for travel from late December 2026. For best fares and seats to suit, head to airnewzealand.co.nz 

Mike Yardley is Newstalk ZB’s resident traveller and can be heard each week on Saturday Mornings with Jack Tame.