Using Star Alliance (Air NZ in this case) Freq Flyer pts my wife and I found it was the same number of pts to fly PH - PAD or PH - AKL (or SYD - MEL for that matter) as it's all in one zone. We took the holiday to Auckland.
The same holds true across the US so if coming from USA (particularly from other than the West Coast) and going anywhere other than MEL, SYD or BNE check out Freq Flyer seats if applicable for best value of points (might even snag something via Singapore).
FRQ CB