For those trying to snag C/F awards to SYD from US gateways - you should look at connecting at ICN and traveling on OZ - very good availability and this routing is now allowed using UA points (as this is what I have ended up booking).

Some other routing to try are:-

xxx-NRT-AKL-SYD (with the NRT-AKL-SYD legs on NZ) but I am not sure if this would still meet the MPM rule; OR

xxx-PEK/PVG-SYD but this would require flying the PEK/PVG-SYD leg on CA - again subject to MPM limitations.

Also, via Canadian gateways (YYZ or YVR) - eg. YVR-SYD is often available at minus 3 months on Mondays and Tuesdays.