Can I apply for a visa a year before i enter China? Or can I apply in New zealand as a UK citizen

Hi, My husband and I will be travelling the world starting in Australia in spetember (so we leave the UK in September) however above you say that you need to apply before you go, however we will be out of the country before the 'three month validity' period? We will not be arriving PRC until next March 2014 and we will be entering from HK. How would I apply in my three month allotated time? could I apply in New Zealand or Hong Knong for a tourist L as a UK citizen? I have a multi flew RTW travel ticket with a return flight home from Singapore (I will be travelling through SE Asia by land to Singapore) Please help!! Thank you!!