I want to take a trip with my wife in early 2013 from ORD to New Zealand. I wanted to stop on the way back in either Tahiti or Fiji for a few days. I also want to fly in business or first class. I have about 300K in AA miles and about 100K in BA miles.

What are the chances that I will find award seating for February 2013 to New Zealand? I think I read here that I can't make a stop on the way back in Tahiti or Fiji on the award ticket. I think Fiji is fairly close to Auckland so it wouldn't be out of the question to just book the ACK to NAN as a separate round trip flight.

Any opinions or suggestions? Would I be better off trying to trade my miles for someone with United miles and take the trip with the Star Alliance network? Thanks.