Originally Posted by
econ
This is what I’d be looking for. Might not be as good as last year, but still lots of UA flights to/from AU. Haven’t been checking for I/IN, but noticed PZ availability was wide open for a few dates. Then cash/award to NZ. Noticed QF award availability is pretty decent, if OP has any oneworld mileage currencies.
Second this approach have an IN award flight SAN-SFO-SYD of 100,000 miles for June 2025 and return SYD-SFO-SAN in July 2025 for another 100,000 miles. I picked up the fare last year. I think SAN-SFO mapped into XN which was fine.
In December, I picked up a G fare SAN-SFO-BNE for a flight the next day (December 17) with PZ availability and then booked a VA flight BNE-SYD.
Find Polaris space from the USA to BNE/SYD/MEL and then catch a VA or NZ flight across the Tasman.
I picked up a G fare in July 2024 with PZ availability both ways to SYD.
Australian winter/US summer is low season if you avoid Aussie school holidays.
Also, I do think the NZ skycouch is a great alternative to consider.