Agreed that CHC-AKL-LAX-DFW would be ideal. The problem is that the AKL-LAX leg has no availability in J unless I leave 2 days earlier -- not possible since I'm doing some hiking over on the West side of the Island -- Abel Tasman (b/t/w thanks KiwiFlyer for your thoughts on winter hiking) or I need to extend by 3 days and come home on the 19th of June. The AA agent checked AKL availabilty to LAX, SYD availability to LAX, but not MEL nor BNE. I need to rework my hiking itinerary and see what departure date I end up with.