I have to be in ZQN (Queenstown) mid of January (13 or 15) until January 25th. I have with me SWUs and over 350,000 miles. My question to those of you flying these routes often is that when would be the best time to purchase the tickets. I know it's almost Dec, but looking at the United website, the fare is almost USD2000. It's a bit too high for me, I think I'll pay anything less than 1500USD. Do you think that the fare will likely to go down after thanksgiving?

I know that it's peak season in NZ/OZ. How much longer should I wait for the fare to go down?

I called the 1K desk. Nothing is avail for awards either direct to SYD/AKL or even from Singapore. Would award reservation likely be available as the time gets closer? HELP!!

p/s: I would love to be able to ride in C class, too.