Hum... this is all so interesting. Yes, I heard that the south island is just wonderful. One of my thoughts on the itinerary is to go YYZ-SYD. Stay in SYD for a couple of days. Fly from SYD to Christchurch. Spend two weeks touring from Christchurch and ending up in AKL. Fly from AKL back to SYD and somehow manage to get from SYD back to YYZ. Originally I thought that I could get a reward seat in J to Christchurch but the agent says that she sees none available. I don't know if that means that NZ air hasn't loaded as yet or if they just don't release. If I have to buy a ticket between SYD and NZ (whether it's AKL or Christchurch) I will but I just didn't think I would have to do that. You are all so helpful and I really appreciate it.