I will trying the direct flight DXB-AKL in 3 weeks (in F). It is useful to me to get to Akl 3 hours earlier and my time in the Syd lounge on the way out tends to be quiet anyway! Going home time is less tight and departing fromm CHC I'm happy to spend the evening in the QF F lounge in Syd before continuing on in comfort on the A380.