At stumps last night, Wellington was 77 for three, 130 runs behind Otago's first innings total of 207.
With Wellington on the end of two heavy defeats in its first two matches, Otago would have been disappointed with its first innings total yesterday.
Sent into bat, Otago openers Aaron Redmond and captain Craig Cumming came out firing and saw off the new-ball challenge by the Wellington attack of Jayde Herrick and Andrew Lamb.
He was playing for a Victorian club side but was called in by Wellington coach Anthony Stuart and arrived in the capital on Monday.
He would be back playing grade cricket across the Tasman on Saturday.
What that says about the standard of pace bowlers in Wellington is one obvious question but Herrick failed to impress in the first spell, though he did come back to pick up Cumming's wicket.
Redmond and Cumming cruised past the 100 mark but just before lunch first Redmond went and four runs later Cumming was out.
From there, Otago failed to get a partnership going, with Ian Butler the next top-scorer on 20.
Otago did not help itself by having all-rounder Sam Wells run out from the first ball he faced.
He tried to scamper through for a quick single after deflecting the ball on to the off side but he was run out at the non striker's end by Luke Woodcock.
The poor running continued when Darren Broom was run out just after drinks.
Butler looked for a partner but no-one came forward and wickets fell steadily as Otago limped over the 200 mark.
In reply, Wellington made a poor start, with veteran Matthew Bell failing to score as he was caught behind off the bowling of Warren McSkimming.
Former Northern Districts player Cameron Merchant then made a breezy 27 before he was run out.
That brought captain Neal Parlane to the crease but he was undone by Otago pace bowler Neil Wagner, who trapped him in front just before stumps.
Opener Josh Brodie (34) will look to push on with Michael Pollard this morning.
Central Districts had the better of a shortened first day of their match with Auckland yesterday, NZPA reports.
Rain delayed the start and also halted play during the morning session, while bad light brought a premature end to the day, with Auckland struggling to 133 for five after Central won the toss and decided to bowl at Colin Maiden Park.
Canterbury took an early stranglehold on its match against Northern Districts in Whangarei yesterday.
After winning the toss, Canterbury dismissed the home side for 119, and ended the first day at 110 for one.
Opening bowler Mitchell Claydon and all-rounder Andrew Ellis took three wickets each.
