The hosts went to stumps on the first day of the four-day fixture at Seddon Park on 128 for four after only 60 overs were possible when the day was bookended by overnight rain and fading light.
Canterbury's bowlers struggled to find their line and length early on but still managed to apply to clamps to the scoring rate as Northern Districts made hard work of their search for runs after play finally began after 2pm following rain.
The only batsman to made an impression was opener Michael Parlane, who held things together with a composed 65 in just under three hours.
Parlane hit 12 fours while his partners came and went before he became one of seamer Brandon Hiini's three victims when an edge behind was accepted by wicketkeeper Kruger van Wyk.
James Marshall and Peter McGlashan held the Canterbury bowlers at bay after Parlane's dismissal and will both resume tomorrow on 17.
Hiini was the pick of the bowlers, taking three for 28, while veteran Chris Harris tied up an end as he conceded just 11 runs from 13 overs.
