Originally Posted by
kiwifrequentflyer
It's 3 hours. Air NZ is still easily my choice but when flying out of LAX, I will admit its nice that Qantas open up much MUCH earlier so that you can escape the zoo of the check in area and go chill in a lounge. As someone who likes to leave a LOT of time between non-connected domestic flights when leaving internationally that day, it is appreciated.
For NZ1 / NZ5 services check-in is open from around 1PM when it opens for NZ2.