Wheels up-- Do enjoy your trip. The AC Business Class has improved significantly. The HNL lounge is quite small but do use the Air NewZealand Lounge in Sydney if you can-- it's just great.
Some words of caution-- DO NOT use Aeroplan Points for Hotels or Car Rentals.
Starwood-- use the Cash+points if available-- you'll get your benefits and the price becomes reasonable. Most of the Australian big cities have Sheratons but I don't know who is awarding the cash+points-- do check at spg.com if you are a Starwood member I suppose you are aware of the 3 stays at Sheraton and collect 6000 airline points promo?? If not try starwood.com/earnmiles
Hope this helps