How to book miles flight on partners?

Have been trying to book a miles flight on Air NZ, using my VS miles for self+girlfriend to go Business Class to Auckland from LAX, sometime in January. But... availability does not exist. The VS people have been very helpful, and try every date in a 2 week window but get nowhere. So:

A: Is there any way for me to spot 'miles seat' availability on this partner myself? (and then get VS to book it)

B: any tips to find a pair of miles seats? - do they release a bunch a month out or ? We're super flexible in January and February, but so far drawn a complete blank!

[Nottingham Nick]

Booking flights with partners has got more and more difficult over the years. We did manage it with SQ a couple of years back, but attempts at repeats have ended in failure.

The best advice seems to be, either book as soon as flights are released, or book last minute.

Neither of the above are fool proof, and could result in many, many frustrating calls. I remember the VS agents I spoke to were just a frustrated as me at the archaic system they have to endure. n(

People on Flyertalk talk about the ANA tool as a way of getting Star Alliance availability. You have to sign to the ANA Mileage Club, and then you can check flights for seats.

My understanding though is that availability of seats using VS points is not the same thing as availability for the airline's own points, but I don't know if this is true.
Nick

thanks NN.

Expert Flyer trial just revealed 2 seats going out on the right dates, and 1+1 coming back same date but different flights, (3 hours apart) We'll take that and try to combine nearer time.

The problem is you can't just 'book them' - it's a request with 24-48hrs to be confirmed or denied by Air NZ themselves.

Fingers crossed! 250,000 miles hopefully about to go on a lovely break.