Originally Posted by
Sam - DFW
1. availability of flights (direct from LAX would be HIGHLY preferred) using AA miles on AA or hopefully another carrier (traveling first class if that matters).
For NZ, QF flies LAX-AKL and you can use your miles for this. Business Class only.
For AUS, QF flies LAX-SFO to SYD/MEL-BNE. First on some of those flights. Since you only have a week I would not "waste" time on stopovers on the way. Just the flying will take you 3 days.
Originally Posted by
Sam - DFW
2. weather - prefer sunny enough for the beach.
NZ - Only in summer and only if you are lucky.
AUS - Depending on when you come there will always be beach whether in some part of the continent.
Originally Posted by
Sam - DFW
3. abundant activities from adventure/hiking etc to less active activities like breathtaking scenic drives.
NZ - Has it all. Especially on the South Island. Queenstown would be the base for this with activities galore and spectacular scenery. No beach.
AUS - Maybe going to Far North Queensland (Cairns, Port Douglas). Lots of activities like whitewater rafting etc plus the attractions of the Great Barrier Reef and the Rainforest up north. And nice beaches (not in Cairns proper).
Originally Posted by
Sam - DFW
4. cost - if there is a huge difference i would want to consider that.
Not a big difference. Anywhere is expensive when using USD.