Hi, I am flying on United SFO>SYD, and then about 3-4 hours later onwards SYD>AKL on Air NewZealand. It is my understanding in NZ, no visa is required, but that AU requires visas from everybody? Do I need a visa to chnage planes in AU? I want to use some * Lounge in AU, whatever I can, based on my Business Class ticket or Star Alliance Gold status. Do I need to obtain any visas for that purpose?

Also, what lounges can I use: -- in SYD? -- in AKL? what do you recommend which one is best.

Thanks.