Originally Posted by
adam.smith
According to the Aeroplan website, it's 125% miles in J on NZ, vs the 150% on AC.
So it might cost me ~3,500-4,000 miles or so. But I can do more of the itinerary on *A (my buddy is in MEL, so if I fly AC to SYD, it's QF to MEL with no points, wheras NZ will fly AKL-MEL and I still get points), so that partly offsets it. But the points aren't a big concern when I'm looking at saving well over $1,000, plus the chance to visit NZ (I'd stop in AKL for 2-3 days before heading on to MEL), not to mention that NZ seems to have a superior product than AC.
Not sure if this is your first time to NZ/Aus.....
At AKL when you check into your flight for MEL, there is a seperate check-in area and then the elevator up to security which gets you closer to the front of the line. Both Aus and NZ require you to clear immig while leaving too. If you connect thru LAX the Star Alliance lounge is quite nice (its run by ANZ) . And if you have a newer Cdn e-passport you can use the kiosks in AUS saving some time in the immig line. In AKL I did the tour of the city, tour of Waikeke island (Vineyards) and a tour of old growth forest and black sand beach. If you have the time, hot springs and maori village in Rotorua. And/or Hobbiton. If you choose to drive, they drive on the left so try not to scare the locals. Enjoy your trip.