New Zealand in Jan

Hi All
After an amazing trip to NZ in Sept, I want to go again and have cobbled a few days together in Jan. Looking at 1/9 to 1/25 from LAX to AKL on QF or Air New Zealand. How are the loads usually during Jan, what are my chances. I was spoiled in Sept with 200+open seats both ways so no hassles. Was going to buy a ticket but the fares are pretty high. Any suggestions?? Creative routing?
Thanks in advance

I daresay earlier Jan southbound is a better option than later in Jan. The end of the summer school vacation break traditionally means heavy loads southbound from mod to late Jan as a general rule.
Apart from getting ZED's or ID's to cover both carriers, other options are Air Pacific via NAN (probably going to be busy though - heavy VFR traffic and school vacation traffic NAN-AKL), through Tahiti with TN, through BUE with AR or through SCL with LA.

Thanks Al
I can probably go in Feb instead if it will be easier. Thanks for the info on the alternate routing. Will try to get the loads for Feb 9 or so.
Thanks again for all the help!!