The Northern Districts batsman's long vigil came to an end when he holed out on 176 off the bowling of Otago's Rhys Phillips.
He had batted for nearly eight hours and helped his side reach 431 for nine declared.
Tim Seifert chipped in with 65 down the order. When rain forced an early end to proceedings in Whangarei, Otago was 55 for two and trailed by 78 runs with a day remaining.
Seventeen-year-old debutant Nathan Smith will treasure his first innings in the field.
The Waitaki Boys' High School pupil picked up three for 80 from 27 overs and two of his victims have played international cricket.
The ball which dismissed Dean Brownlie swung in and nipped back to trap the batsman lbw.
As far as maiden first-class wickets go, it was very worthy.
Phillips plugged away from one end for long periods for precious little rewarded.
His two for 158 from 42.2 overs was a triumph of endurance, but not one for the highlight reel.
Jacob Duffy went wicket-less, while Jimmy Neesham did not bowl on day three but finished with two for 26.
Christi Viljoen was the pick of the Volts bowlers.
Twelve of his 26 overs were maidens and he took two for 34.
Otago's second innings got off to a poor start, with Ryan Duffy mis-timing a pull shot on 20 and Michael Bracewell top edging a sweep shot on three.
First innings centurion Brad Wilson is undefeated on 18 from 103 balls. Anaru Kitchen is at the wicket with him on six from 35 balls.
At the Basin Reserve, Canterbury is 17 for one against Wellington and needs a further 88 runs to win after dismissing the home side for 333.
Auckland is 110 for six at McLean Park and leads Central Districts by 42 runs. Navin Patel has taken three for 30.
