6 month trip - China, Australia, NZ, Thailand, Polynesian is

Hi guys,

I'd like to hear your thoughts about this trip, and perhaps get some valuable tips as to how to book the flights, since there's quite a bit of them. Our plan is to travel as a young couple, arrive to Beijing via Europe on 1.08.16.
Plan:
- China - ~7 weeks - Main highlights - interested mainly in nature and cultural landmarks - would love to hear your thoughts for itineraries and some off the beaten track options.
- Singapore - 3-4 days as a travel hub
- Arrive at Darwin, Australia on end of September, stay there a few days, take an internal flight to Cairns and travel the east cost up to Brisbane, fly out from Sydney to either:
1. Fiji/Vanuatu? Your guys thoughts? We were thinking of resting a week or so before heading up for the trekking in NZ.
2. NZ for 2.5 months
- Finish in Thailand and its beaches for ~2 weeks before travelling back home to Europe. (Been in SE Asia for 2 months already and it was really nice)

The main thing we're contemplating is where to rest up between China and NZ - somewhere that will give us a new experience and will be financially possible.
Also - whether the duration in each location might seem too hectic and won't give us time to breathe.
We like diving, trekking, cultural landmarks etc.

Thanks in advance

Looks a good itinerary that's well paced and logical, minimises jetlag.

Vanuatu could well be a good budget choice for a rest. I was there a few weeks ago and it's way cheaper than neighbouring New Caledonia. Depends on the price of flights of course.

If you can increase your time in New Zealand, do. There is a lot to get round. 2.5 months is a lot more than many people allow, so you're fine as you are, but there is a lot packed in that small space and you will find things to fill more time there.

Are you including Hong Kong in your China time?
Taiwan is very worthwhile if you are looking for additions.

Finding flights - I don't know of any easier alternative than crunching lots of routes and options on Skyscanner with a notepad next to you to scribble down details and then step back and look at the overall route options that gives you. You have the big advantage of a flexible schedule so you can take advantage of cheaper days.

Sounds a great trip. :-)