I know how that goes yeg2where

and really, the transfer isn't too bad unless you run into some Aussie holiday. I think the longest I've spent in line is about 30 minutes to re-drop by bags. Isn't great but isn't horrible as well.

From there you re-clear security and are then bused (and you get pretty close to some great Qantas equipment lying around).

Now, if you were really daring, you should so, YVR-SYD-AKL-MEL Everyone here at FT would be disappointed if it were any less

Then you get the great ANZ lounge in SYD and AKL

Personally, I had thought about doing a YYZ-YVR-SYD-AKL-PER but even that, I think would be a bit much for one day.