I'm flying from IAD to visit a few customers and prospects in Melbourne, Sydney, and Auckland, probably in March. I'm UAL Premier Exec, so I can most likely get a decent Economy seat. I would really like to bring my wife and our 3-month-old, who has an already-proven ability to be a very good flyer....on a 2-hr flight, anyway.

A couple of questions:
1. Would you fly Air NZ, United, or Qantas if you had the choice? Don't know if any offer bassinettes like Sing. Air.
2. What's the shortest amount of time you'd recommend in each city? I hear amazing things about AKL. She's going back to work so I'd like to keep the total trip at or under 2 weeks.
3. What GSM frequency do NZ and AU operate on? I think NZ has a funky one....
4. Any particularly good beaches near SYD or MEL to spend the weekend?

Thanks!