Originally Posted by
corporate-wage-slave
But actually the best route, and the shortest amount of flying unless you go via NRT, is via Hong Kong, so your idea may well be the best.
I'd second HK and C-W-S's timings.
Did it easter this year (back via SYD) We (Mrs JH + 2 kids) took the early evening CX, had an afternoon, evening and most of the next day in HK, arrived in AKL, transferred to NLN arriving early evening, and all woke up in the Abel Tasman NP the next day feeling fresh!
The thought of a short hop to the Middle East and a longer leg to AKL just filled me with dread. 12 hours on a plane is long enough for anyone. Even with a positioning flight to LHR you are still better off in my opinion. And the CX J is an excellent product (especially on the 350 LGW-HKG-AKL).
Just as an aside, flying NZ domestic is fun! No security (aside from a ticket check.) It is like catching a train. Refreshing.