New Zealand have made a promising start to the second Test against Sri Lanka after reaching lunch on 93-2 on a seamer-friendly wicket in Wellington.

The Kiwis, who won the first Test in Christchurch by eight wickets, were put in by the tourists, but started well as Hamish Rutherford kept the scoreboard ticking over at a healthy rate.

Angelo Matthews's decision to bowl on a green-looking wicket at the Basin Reserve initially looked foolish as opening bowlers Nuwan Pradeep and Suranga Lakmal struggled to find a consistent line and length in favourable conditions.

After a promising start from New Zealand, Lakmal took the wicket of Tom Latham for six after the opener edged to Prasanna Jayawardene.

Pradeep then removed Rutherford for 37 to reduce the hosts to 62-2 before Kane Williamson (34 not out) and Ross Taylor (13 not out) steadied the ship.