Thanks for all the info. You are right about pricing increasing after Dec 5th. But, it's not that bad. Right now you can do it for about $1200. Yes if I could go a couple weeks earlier, maybe save $200, but I can't, and $1200 isn't insane. I pais $1100 last year to go before Dec 5th.

I realize it's much cheaper to do Oz other times, but like I said, this isn't a 'pure' mileage run. I have to go to MEL, on those dates. Just trying to make the most of it!

Right now it looks like I can do LAX-SYD-AKL-MEL-SYD-LAX , fly UA planes for the long segments, NZ for the rest, and do it for under $1300. Now if I can just fit in a good long US flight on my return to LAX, I'll be in good shape.