90% of people reading this will be on holiday enjoying the wonderful sights and places in New Zealand. That means you have time to spend seeing the most of what's on offer. 

You may be staying in a town for one day or a few days and from your base travelling to see something of special interest.

My approach is to try to never travel the same route in reverse.  Why look at the same stuff twice.

You have your destination in mind, so see if there is a different way back to your motel and what there is to  see on that road.

With a couple of minutes online, and also maybe asking your host at the motel, you can make a day far more interesting and see so much more.

Remember, your next holiday will most likely be to a different destination and this trip may be the last time you are ever here, so make the most of it.