FLR out of country application

[cnev]

I submitted a HSMP application in July, I am a NZer on a working holiday maker visa which expired in August, but still working under the conditions of WHM visa while my HSMP is being considered.
I am booked to return to NZ for Christmas for 7 weeks to attend a family wedding - I expect my HSMP to come through either just before I depart (in which case my FLR would not be processed in time for me to travel), or while I am in NZ.

Can I apply for FLR from NZ, even though my HSMP is an in-country application?
I won't be able to come back to the UK and apply for FLR as I would then be on a visitor visa and unable to transfer to HSMP, would I?
Your help would be much appreciated as I would really like to make this trip, but not if it will prevent me from gaining the HSMP visa.