From around Dec15 through Jan26 fares are set at high levels from the outset. Sometimes they get a little cheaper after Mid January.

The reality is there is a lot more competition between N/A and Asia with Hundreds of commercial flights operating each way every day.

Across the pacific?

Qantas has ~6 each way, NZ ~4, UA/VA/DL/CO/AC/FJ 1 or 2 each.