Originally Posted by Leumas
If the flight isn't operational, you can try SYD-CHC then make your own way to Queenstown. Domestic flights are cheap, you can then fly or drive for CHC-ZQN then fly from ZQN-AKL to resume your trip.
This is exactly what I just did in January. The drive from Christchurch to Queenstown, about 5 hours or so with some short stops, was SPECTACULAR (well, about half of it anyway). We had to purchase ZQN-AKL as we already had 4 other OZ segments, but it was fairly cheap. Both QF and NZ fly the route.