The more I read the more I get confused so I'm asking the experts who fly NZ internationally more often than I do.

I am flying EWR-SFO (separate ticket on UA, because NZ wouldn't sell me that flight as a connection online!) and then connecting to SFO-AKL on NZ7. The EWR-SFO flight arrives at 6.57 and the NZ flight leaves at 8.45. Ideally I would like to online check in for NZ7 so I don't have to exit security at SFO to check-in and re-clear. I won't have checked bags.

My mobile app tells me that "online check-in is unavailable" for NZ7 and to check in at the airport. The Air NZ website says that I can check in online and that SFO accepts home printed boarding passes. (Adding to the confusion is the sentence on the online check in page that mobile boarding passes are only accepted ex-New Zealand, although the table which says that SFO accepts home printed boarding passes also says that SFO accepts mobile boarding passes).

So which is it - can I check in online or not? I'm not so fussed about what BP is acceptable since my passport will need to be checked at the gate anyway, but it would be nice to know whether I should prime myself for a dash out to the check-in hall and back airside, or whether I can just online check in 24 hours out and have a leisurely connection.

Don't know why NZ have to make it so bloody complicated! So much inconsistent information flying (pun unintended) around.