Canterbury's Adam Whitelock tries to bust through the Otago defence. (Photo by Rob Jefferies/Getty Images)
The match was in the balance for the first hour as Otago matched the ITM Cup premiership leader.
But in the final 20 minutes Canterbury had more ball and possession and dominated the game.
Hayden Parker kicked a penalty near the end to give Otago a bonus point.
Canterbury 23 (Nasi Manu, Robbie Thompson; Richie Mo'unga 2 con, 3 pen), Otago 16 (Jayden Spence try; Hayden Parker 3 pen, con). Halftime: 13-10 Otago
