Day three of the test at University Oval was interrupted shortly after 5pm today and the crowd told to evacuate the venue.
Players and security staff made their way into middle of the ground while fire officers checked the area.
Two fire appliances were sent from Dunedin City and Willowbank stations.
The alarm started going after tea with South Africa 14 for one in their second innings.
The main stand, which houses the changing rooms, was evacuated by security before an announcement was made that the entire venue had to be evacuated, causing confusion amongst players and the crowd.
In a statement on Friday night, event company Dunedin Venues said the ground was fully evacuated, in accordance with health and safety procedures and the emergency management plan, until the all-clear was given by the Fire Service.
The company said it was not yet known what triggered the alarm.
Play resumed, with the umpires planning to extend the day for nearly an hour to make up for the delay.
However, bad light saw stumps called with South Africa 38 for one in the second innings and with an overall lead of five runs.
