You might want to verify your checked baggage....

I just returned to the US today (in C) on a similar, albeit reverse itin - Auckland / Sydney / SFO on NZ #703 connecting to UA #870.

Connecting in SYD was fine as described by others...and the ANZ lounge is great.

However, I ended up in SFO --without-- my checked bag and was told it was still in Sydney. What makes this really frustrating is I was called up to the SYD departure gate desk for #870 to be given a UA boarding card (instead of the ANZ version I had from AKL) and proactively was told "and we do show your bag in the system" per my tag. Naturally I assumed this meant they verified it xfered from ANZ and loaded onto UA.

I guess my point is that it probably wouldn't hurt that if you are talking to an agent or the transfer desk in SYD between flights to have them confirm your bag has been transferred to ANZ for the flight to Auckland. Personally I have never had this problem with US-Australia flights so it could be a freak occurrence...just thought I would pass it on...

--Scott