Hello fellow hoser!

Moved from YVR to AKL 4 years ago and have gone all sorts of routings between the two cities. Even with the extra seats wedged into NZ's trans-pacific economy class, it's a better experience than UA or AA. LAX is a vile airport for connections, especially arriving in the US from NZ: land, clear immigration, grab checked luggage, clear customs, recheck bags, go upstairs, queue through vile immigration queues...I'd have to save at least $400 per person on airfare to consider routing via LAX.

SFO isn't as vile, since it's not got 8 terminals, but the arrival schtick is pretty much the same (if less busy). I've not done the HA via HNL option, since I'm a frequent flyer prisoner.

I wouldn't do the Asian milk runs, even in business class. Effectively doubles the journey time. And usually in at least one direction, two red-eye flights. Unless you fancy a stopover in Hong Kong...