Hi Jonny,
I've been looking everywhere about this topic. I'm in a similar situation. I entered with 457 visa last year (valid for 3 more years) and thinking of going home or back to NZ for a while. I've just lodged an application for visa 461 (NZ citizen family member)- we didn't realised back then that we have this option, I could have had full working rights. Anyway, we are still in the early stage of our application and I need to be onshore before it is granted. I was thinking to resign and apply for tourist visa so I can still come back and visit my NZ partner here. When your 457 ended when the tourist visa was granted, did it say "cancelled"? I'm just worried that it may affect my current application for 461. Would appreciate any advice. Thank you.