You know, maybe it's just me, BUT while I get the status run , I really feel that the journey is just as important as the destination, if I am going to do a SC run to NZ ( or Sydney say) , why miss the opportunity to do a really great viaduct basin lunch, or take some time out to catch a ferry to waiheke, visit a winery, maybe nice lunch with an ocean view and just have a pie/ sandwich and a cup of coffee etc.
Wellington ( which I don't know as well) probably offers similar delights.
I know Sydney certainly does.
The 20 SC's from this weeks Wednesday - Thursday trip won't have much effect on the outcome this time round ( I will be plat in two weeks anyway)
And some of these things can be done in one day, ( yes a very long day) and the money you don't spend on a hotel, ......well I think you get my drift .