From my own experience -
YMMV!!
- I'd recommend at least having a look at the NZ product - flying via AKL...
In Y, good seat pitch, good AVOD (if you don't press 14 buttons in 2 seconds!

).. good food/service IME... and if the budget allows you could go in Y+... (But PLEASE check the Y+ threads on the NZ forum if you are contemplating that!)
Same advice as for QF.. watch the website for specials - I have used the NZUSA site a number of times (booking one ways home) and there often seesm to be some "good deals" there...... and if you decide on Y+.. book as soon as you have the dates nailed down...... those seats sell pretty well and there are significant savings in getting the lower of the fares in that class...