Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell were closing on a century partnership for the fourth wicket as the Black Caps stretched their lead over Australia to 149 runs in the second Test in Christchurch.
At lunch on day three, New Zealand were 243 for three, with Ravindra on 67 and Mitchell 42.
The only wicket to fall was opener Tom Latham - for 73 - after the Black Caps resumed for the day at 134 for two.
Latham added eight to his overnight score before he was caught by wicketkeeper Alex Carey off captain Pat Cummins' bowling.
The Australians successfully reviewed after the original decision was not out, with replays showing a fine inside edge from Latham's bat.
Ravindra had struck eight fours in his 165-ball knock while the more aggressive Mitchell had faced 73 balls and struck four fours and a six.