Hi, I don't know if this belongs in the destination forum instead but thought would try here first.

I've noticed there's a good connection Akl - Houston on air nz then united down to quito about 4hrs later.

The other route being via buenos aires on NZ then catching tame up to quito which gets you in 45min earlier (ie time saved not worth taking into consideration) but I think another thread comment was that the airport EZE that air nz fly into is different from the airport you use for South America flights??

a) I'm looking for the minimal hassle route which, if in EZE I have to get to another airport to catch the next flight to quito then that route is definitely out. Can anyone confirm?

b) What's the best way to book Akl - quito via Houston? The air NZ website won't let you do quito as an option. I could book separately on nz and united but I don't want to be picking up bags and re clearing customs to check in during the 4hr transit. I'm not keen on going via the travel agents either but would use them last resort. I've had unwelcome surprises booking through webjet etc in the past so am trying to avoid them also. I've called air nz and their routing is LA to Panama City then quito - sounds longer with more airport time (forgot to actually ask definite times). They think more options may open up via Houston but they're not currently in the system. They have a "packages team" which I'd never heard of but I will call them during working hours to see if they can put the two flights together. Anyone used them to put unadvertised connections together? Any other bright/more experienced ideas?