South Africa asserted their dominance in the third Test as they reached 246 for two on another weather-affected day at the Basin Reserve.
Stumps were called early on day two with Alviro Petersen in sight of a deserved century after the gritty opener rode his luck throughout the innings to reach 96.
He was accompanied at the crease by JP Duminy, who reached 76 before bad light ended play prematurely for the second consecutive day.
The bowlers were wicketless on a day that was made for batting, although windy conditions did ask some questions of both Petersen and Duminy.
It was announced that play would begin early on Sunday due to the weather delays that have limited play to just 79 overs spread over two days.
Resuming on Saturday at 136 for two, New Zealand looked to strike early when Petersen appeared to be struck on his pads, but the umpires waved away any appeal when the ball was found to be narrowly drifting down the leg side.
It was a reprieve for Petersen, who rode his luck throughout an innings that was typified by an edge to the third man boundary to bring up his half-century.
Duminy's innings was very different as he strode with great confidence towards a second international Test century in front on an appreciative Wellington crowd.
The tea break came at the wrong time for South Africa, who were only able to advance the score by 42 before the umpires lifted the bails to signal the end of the day.
South Africa, leading 1-0 after a nine-wicket victory in Hamilton, require only a draw to win the three-match series.