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Fly Cathay Pacific First Class to Hong Kong, with Business Class to New Zealand, for 142,000 Asia Miles from New York JFK. Cathay Pacific First Class award space is very rare these days, even when using Cathay Pacific Asia miles, so this is a great way to get to Asia and beyond.
Note that this award space is only available with Cathay Pacific's own Asia miles, not with partners. AMEX Membership Rewards points, Citi ThankYou points, and a few other currencies transfer 1:1 to Asia Miles, and while many transfers are instant, it can take several hours or up to 24 hours, especially if the Asia Miles account is newly created. Call Cathay Pacific Asia Miles and ask to put the award on a 48-hour hold before you transfer the points to Asia Miles.
From Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific flies to Auckland, New Zealand (AKL); Sydney, Australia (SYD); and Melbourne (MEL), and the award rate for JFK to all of them, with a layover in Hong Kong, is 142,000 Asia miles each way.
It's also possible to instead fly to Bali (DPS), Singapore (SIN), Bangkok (BKK), Manila (MNL) and Ho chi Minh City (SGN) for 150K-156K each way, again with the connection in HKG. Note that if you only fly Cathay Pacific First Class to Hong Kong, it's actually more miles: 160,000 Asia miles one way.
Best dates for JFK to Hong Kong are mid-late April, July-August, and mid-late September 2026, while for HKG to JFK it's mid-late April, May-July, and mid-September 2026.
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Where to Stay in Hong Kong
In Hong Kong, we especially like the Four Seasons Hong Kong, and recommend staying in a suite that includes access to the Executive Club Lounge. The Rosewood Hong Kong is also a great option, especially Suites and Club Rooms that include access to the Manor Club Lounge. Or for those who prefer a boutique hotel, The Upper House remains a favorite.
Our Four Seasons Hong Kong video review:
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Where to Stay in New Zealand
We especially recommend Rosewood Matakauri near Queenstown; Otahuna Lodge near Christchurch; Rosewood Cape Kidnapper's near Hawke's Bay; and Wharekauhau Country Estate in Featherston. At Rosewood Cape Kidnapper's, guests have the chance to see a kiwi on the Night Tour. TravelSort Clients enjoy Rosewood Elite or Virtuoso benefits at all of these luxury lodges.
Check out our video of a kiwi we saw while staying at Rosewood Cape Kidnapper's:
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