Planning a trip to New Zealand in a couple years

South Island, go in the shoulder season March or September/October. Search the threads on this board, there are a few posts with plentiful information.

We loved it, highly recommend it to everyone.

Two years ago we spent 10 days visiting family members there. We went in July, their winter.
First, if your miles can be used on affiliate airlines, do yourself a favor and make sure to fly Air New Zealand. Such a better experience.
We flew into Auckland and spent the rest of the trip driving around the north island down to Wellington. It is quite remarkable.
We didn't do South because the crossing and weather weren't ideal for traveling with kids. We will go back though.
North island is incredible though. The drive is unreal and the people are phenomenal.
Their Hwy 1 and others are a lot like pics of our Route 66 back in the day. Each town has some allure to get you to stop.
Exploring comes natural.
If you like sports, take in a rugby match. It doesn't have to be the all blacks. Their regular pro teams have very passionate fans. (Chiefs, blues, crusaders etc).

Rotarura has a lot of adventure sports but smell is a little interesting. This is due to the geothermal venting. However, take advantage of the geothermal swimming pools. Your body will thank you for days.
They are all over the island.
The glow worm caves in waitomo are remarkable. In Te Kuiti/ Waitomo, do yourself a favor and stop at Bosco Cafe.
Speaking of coffee, NZ coffee is an underrated treasure.
So is their beer and wine. Drink up the craft beer because it doesn't travel far. The superior water, hops and love of good beer create some very good beer that we don't see in the states.
Taupo is a must stop and stay. Stay in Turangi. It is next to the lake and tongariro national park. So much to do here.
We went skiing, hiking, jet boating by huka falls on the Waikato river and golf by Wairakei.

Does Delta even fly there? Last summer, I flew United/Air New Zealand ATL-SFO to Auckland, then on to Christchurch. On the way home it was Auckland to Houston. That flight was long as crap! I was on the plane for over 16 hours.

On the way there, I think I was traveling for 28 hours and on the way home it was over 30. Give yourself enough time for your body to recover, I'd think a min of 10 days.

I was there on business, so I didn't get to do a ton of sight-seeing. I did catch a rugby match which I would recommend. I did love New Zealand and it's people. Very hospitable and beautiful.

I checked on my delta app and its virgin Australia that would fly me with my delta points

How is virgin Australia?