I could really use the advice of you mileage experts. My brother got married last month and is honeymooning in New Zealand the first two weeks in December. He has invited my husband and I and my parents to join them for the second week. I told him I would give him two first or business class tickets there as a wedding present. I have also talked my parents, who are in their 60s, into letting me use miles to get them into business or first; coach would be really hard on them. None of my family members have any miles to speak of.

I have 500K Continental miles, 360K Starwood miles, and platinum status on Continental. My husband has 900K Amex MR miles, 250K Continental miles, and gold status on Continental.

I would have thought all those miles could turn into four award tickets, but when I checked with Continental they have no availability for reward tickets on Qantas into or out of New Zealand or Sydney. Any suggestions? I can get a guaranteed reservation on United using a standard reward, but I'll end up transferring all my Starwood points and still be short. Any advice will be appreciated.