I've just bought both tickets. I got QF045 as I wanted.

For CHC-AKL I tried Air New Zealand, so I could fly another airline I've never flown before. Guess what? It was $10.00 cheaper, so I snapped it (NZ 0504). In the end, considering the exchange rate, I paid less than I'd have paid through Expedia, and I got 2 different airlines, which is nice.

I won't have any connection problems, as I will leave Auckland in the evening. I'll have the whole day for sightseeing.

Thank you folks for your help. People like you make it worthwhile to belong to the FT brotherhood.