Originally Posted by sy7
On a more positive note, New Zealand is beautiful and definitely worth the trip. I found the best source for inexpensive 3*/4* hotel bookings for New Zealand was
www.ratestogo.com (though since they are a last minute reservation site, you can only book 20 days in advance). For the shoulder season (November) they had some great rates, ie the Heritage Auckland or the Heritage Queenstown for NZ130 (or about $85 US).
Those rates were available on the Heritage website, tha "mother" website had way better rates for suites. The Queenstown rooms had no view, so finding a local serviced flat with view is way worthier.
People die to travel on the SQ executive economy LA-Sg. I understand there are no normal economy seats on the plane. Connecting to "normal" economy to NZ can give you a cheaper and a bit comfortable journey that earns airmiles as well.