Welcome to Flyer Talk djc0

1) Air NZ is a great airline to fly, however the Airpoints programme is generally not as good as most other FFPs (there is a high emphasis on high revenue flyers on NZ metal). The program is rather different to most, though, and may suit some people. Check out the info in the sticky for a guide. If you do want to join Airpoints, I suggest joining before you move (Australians and NZers have to pay a fee to join Airpoints).

2) No domestic flights within Australia. NZ flies to most Australian international airports though (CNS, BNE, OOL, SYD, MEL, ADL, PER). NZ flights to Europe are just to LHR from AKL, via HKG and another flight via LAX - both daily. To North America NZ has flights from AKL to LAX (2/3 daily), SFO (daily), YVR (3/4 times a week) and HNL (2 times a week) as well as AKL to pacific islands to LAX a few times a week (the islands transitting vary by day between RAR, TBU and APW). Some flights between AKL and Australia are timed to connect to and from the North American and London flights.

3) Yes. But note that fares ex-Australia (or ex-NZ for that matter) to USA are high by world standards.

4) NZ has silver, gold and gold elite status levels, plus the option to buy a koru club membership (which is a waste of money for you). Status on NZ is earned during your membership year rather than calendar period of UA MP. You will not get status matched from UA to NZ.

5) After UA you will be blown away by NZ's customer service. Note that some rules are different outside USA - don't confuse harsher rules (eg less carryon allowed) with customer service.

6) What do you want most out of your FFP? Status or awards or upgrades?