"It gave us the opportunity to bowl 50-odd (53) overs today which means when we come back tomorrow, the bowlers are still in very good shape," Buchanan told a news conference.
"We really tried to assess where New Zealand were in terms of morale and their approach to their innings and the way they would feel when they walked off the field (at the declaration)."
Australia, 575 for eight declared in their first innings, were 135 for two at lunch and scored only four runs in the 13 minutes after the interval before sending the Black Caps into bat at Adelaide Oval.
New Zealand, who scored 251 in their first innings, slumped to 36 for four at tea, but recovered slightly to reach 149 for five at the close of play with Jacob Oram on 40 and wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum unbeaten on 34.
"We are happy with the situation," Buchanan said.
"The way our bowlers went about that pre-tea session it was exceptional bowling."
SURPRISING MOVE
Oram said he was surprised Australia did not play more shots on Monday, scoring only 82 runs in more than two hours.
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Oram, who made 126 not out in New Zealand's first Test loss in Brisbane, said McCullum's batting had breathed new life into the run chase.
McCullum's aggressive 36-ball innings has included five fours and one towering six off Shane Warne.
"He strides out there with no lid (helmet) on, full of bravado. Against a champion leg spinner bowling into some pretty thick rough, it was great to watch," said Oram, who reached the milestone of 1,000 Test runs in his 17th Test.
"He really took it to them and if he gets in (good form) tomorrow he could be a huge key for us.
"We are up against history here. This is a huge chase."
The world record fourth innings run chase is held by West Indies who scored 418 for seven to beat Australia by three wickets in Antigua in May 2003.
