Best strategy LAX-AKL to begin OWE?
 

Another FAQ, I suppose, but it's hard to ask the computer the right question so I'll ask the humans again:

Based near LAX, we've learned that it makes sense to start OWE's (at least in the premium cabins) in Canada, thanks to the good folks here.

NZ might make good sense, too. But what's the best way to get there? We don't have a lot of date flexibility, and I'd be drawn and quartered if the group had to do a long-haul (e.g. LAX-AKL) in anything less than a first-class bed).

We have a reasonable supply of AAdvantage miles but don't directly have anything on Qantas. I assume the choice is between buying a cheap ticket on QF and upgrading with AA miles, or just using a first-class award?

F class award on CX LAX-HKG-Auackland is 140k AA miles

There are no upgrade awards on QF using AA miles. QF does have companion awards using AA miles, for example, if you purchase a business class ticket on QF you can fly a companion in business for 80k AA miles to AKL. Considering the normal business class award to AKL is 105k, I don't think the companion award is that good of a deal. For 115k you can fly QF in business via Hawaii.

NZ dollar is very strong recently, until this changes it may be better to originate your OWE in Canada, esp. if you can buy 1 less continent. Probably the NZD will fall 20% by March, but not much help if you need to buy now. Due to the Americas Cup it is almost impossible to get F seats into AKL now (and QF is stopping F service AKL-LAX soon, switching to 2-class).

Thanks to all for the information (and a pleasant and safe new year to all).