Originally Posted by 98103

I'd toss in another option. Fly to AKL, then immediately get on a flight to Christchurch or Queenstown. The best stuff in NZ is on the south island.

Christchurch + car gives you the chance to go up to Kaikoura for whale watching and Blenheim for all of the wineries in the area.

Queenstown is within driving distance (or a flight) to Te Anu and Millford Sound. Though in April you do begin to approach the cold time of the year.

I'd skip AKL altogether and either go to South Island then onward to SYD, or skip NZL for another time (allow 2-3 weeks) and split your time between SYD and MEL