New Zealand are 101 runs ahead of India with five wickets remaining at lunch on day four of the second Test in Wellington.
A Brendon McCullum century and 52 from Bradley-John Watling had given them a six-run lead as they reached 252-5 at stumps on the third day.
Despite plenty of hard work from the likes of Ishant Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja, McCullum was able to build on his 114 from day three with some powerful shots.
Watling also showed grit and determination to reach 90 not out. With McCullum moving to 169, the duo reached the record for the second-best sixth-wicket partnership for their country.
They were then able to bat to 347-5.