Originally Posted by
Bralo20
NCE-LHR-HKG-AKL (NZ) should also be rather "short" I think
Originally Posted by
Jasper2009
Another option may be Emirates NCE-DXB(-SYD)-AKL.
The easiest options with just one change of aircraft en route (plus 1 transit stop) are
NCE-LHR-AKL with LHR-AKL on Air NZ via HKG or LAX transit
NCE-DXB-AKL on Emirates with DXB-AKL via SYD, MEL or BNE transit
All other options will require at least 2 changes of aircraft.