The one little hop in NZ will be tolerable. I did kick in the $20 for
an exit row seat.
Personally I find the layover worse than the flight. We are stuck at
LAX for 9 hours or so. Some of it will be clearing customs but I
still would like to check my stuff and hop in a cab. I may call an LA
friend and meet them for dinner or something.
Ask him to pick you up and take you to a burrito place in San Pedro.
San Pedro is a long time from LAX. Lots of good Mexican food near the
airport. Out Century Blvd. LAX is a short distance from Venice Beach and
Santa Monica which are nice to visit.