I've flown the LAX-AKL flight several times on three different airlines, and I feel NZ is by far the best of the three (UA, QF, and NZ) in terms of service and comfort. Of course, the Kiwis like me a little bit, and are always willing to block off the seat next to me so I can stretch out a little bit on the trip. Add that to the fact that NZ has the most seat-pitch of those flying (UA is now out of the race), and it was a most enjoyable experience.
QF was crowded and cramped, and UA was much the same (cramped, more than crowded).
So go NZ, and have a good time...
RD