I'm looking to book two first class award tickets from AUS-AKL (using CO miles) for December 2011 returning January 2012. The window hasn't opened yet for the return, but here's what I've found for getting us there (based on helpful advice from KVS and this forum ^). I'd appreciate any advice on (1) simplifying the route while still holding onto the first class segments and (2) getting rid of some of the stopovers.

One other question is am I allowed to call and reserve the outbound trip even though I can't yet reserve the return half? I just don't want to lose out on any segment due to the wait.

Thanks to all for the advice!

12/28
AUS-LAX UA6721 6:33-7:55 first
LAX-ICN OZ201 11:50-18:10(+1) first

*insert stopover for the night in ICN*

12/30
ICN-BJS CA138 9:30-10:40 business
BJS-BKK TG615 17:05-21:15 first

*insert stop for the night in BKK*

12/31
BKK-SYD TG471 7:45-21:05 first

*insert stopover for the night in SYD – Happy New Year!*

1/1
SYD-AKL NZ118 14:15-19:15 business