Hi FlyerTalkers,

I’d like to ask you some questions about redeeming Lufthansa’s M&M Miles.

I’ve read so many threads about that but I feel like “more I read, more confused I am”. You are experts and I will appreciate any help! :-)

Somehow I gained 155 000 Miles & More miles; I would like to redeem them for an award ticket as following:

• I want to visit at least Sydney and Auckland (I don’t care which one I’ll visit first.) I prefer to stay circa 5 to 7 days in SYD plus 6 to 8 days in AKL.
• I want to fly in Business Class (I’m fine with SYK-AKL segment in Y)
• I want to travel in October or November 2015
• I travel by myself, I need just 1 ticket
• I’d rather burn all miles than paying extra fees or taxes. (I'm fine with paying 400 to 500 USD)
• My preferred departure airports are NYC or YTO. I’d be fine with connection on the west coast of the US/Canada. In a fact I’d be fine with any connections/long layovers.
• Departure from the west coast would a little bit of complication since I live in Europe and hence I’ll be buying a separate ticket to the origin destination (I don’t have miles for that one).
• My dream ticket would be from YTO with Air Canada, but I have learned that they open reward ticket reservations for Star Alliance partners very late, so it’s hard to book a ticket that would meet my requirements. Can I, somehow, check available AC flights online?
• A totally backup plan is flying to AKL and SYD via Tokyo, Japan or other Asian destination. (e. g. TYO - SYD - AKL - TYO) I know I can fly via Bangkok, Thailand, but I prefer not to choose this option.
• I’ve already called to M&M call center but they didn’t much help me with this US -> Aus/NZ option.

What would you, experienced professionals, do on my place?

Thank you so much for your time and for the help. I appreciate it very much! :-)