Thanks for your input. I just realized I said Auckland, I meant I would fly into and out of ZQN (Queenstown).
I don't know anyone with miles and I don't care if I use them this trip. I expect to have expensive airfare, but I am looking at this trip as my first and likely last visit to Australia. I will splurge to be comfortable. I have been pricing some one way tickets - running around $2900 - $3500 per leg for business class. Maybe the prices will drop in a month or so. I just don't know if it is a big risk for me to buy economy seats and pay for an upgrade closer to take-off.