When we arrived at LAX at 4:15 for our 8:10 flight (we were worried about rush hour traffic but there really was not any), we were informed that our flight was delayed two hours. Then at 6:30, while we were waiting at the gate, V Australia announced that, because of mechanical problems, our flight would not leave until 7 AM tomorrow morning. We were given hotel and meal vouchers. Unfortunately, however, we have no luggage. Normally we would carry on a bag with at least some clothes; however, when we were checking in we learned that V Australia limits carry ons to 15 pounds and, since our bag weighed more, we had to check it.
As you can see from our itinerary, we were scheduled to spend the day in Sydney, arriving at 6 AM and leaving from Christchurch at 6PM. With this delay it is possible, but not clear whether we will be able to make that connection. It will be disappointing not to see Sydney as we had planned. It is also annoying that we had to pay $90 for visas that will now probably be of little use to us. So now we are focused on getting to New Zealand!