McIntosh, playing just his second test, reached an important milestone in his fledgling career as New Zealand made 371 in their first innings -- his stubborn 136 proving the cornerstone of the home side's riposte to the West Indies' 307.
The 29-year-old's rich vein of form against the visitors continued at the most opportune time, McIntosh following his 78 for Auckland and match aggregate of 58 in the drawn first test in Dunedin with his most accomplished innings yet.
And as he reflected on a knock that spanned seven hours and 337 deliveries, McIntosh said the input of former New Zealand captain John Wright helped sharpen his focus.
Wright, now New Zealand Cricket's elite coaching manager, had been on hand to impart advice at the net practices in Napier.
"Being a left hander he's sort of got alongside and helped out by offering his knowledge," said McIntosh after New Zealand ended the third day of a fluctuating contest with a slender two run lead.
While Wright has not needed to alter McIntosh's technique, the rookie international appreciated the former Indian national coach's expertise.
"He hasn't changed anything but he's offered a bit of experience on how they might come at you and what to expect," he said.
"He also helps refining areas of your game -- making sure you've ticked off the areas to give yourself the best chance."
McIntosh evidently took that checklist to the middle as he embarked on an innings that eventually formed the basis of three important partnerships.
He added 118 for the second wicket with Daniel Flynn, a neat 100 for the fourth with Jesse Ryder and then 71 for the fifth with Brendon McCullum before his dogged resistance ended when Jerome Taylor struck his off stump.
McIntosh laboured for 455 minutes to tire the West Indian attack -- an exercise in concentration reminiscent of innings during Wright's long test career.
Encouragingly he rarely played a false shot or appeared frustrated during periods where his runs were reduced to a trickle.
McIntosh branched out to stroke 21 boundaries but was generally on the defensive, especially after a resumption in play.
"It's about starting again, every session is a new one," he said of his cautious batting plan.
"If you get those first few overs under your belt and get yourself through and away, all of a sudden things start clicking and things start working in your favour."
McIntosh did not create a song and dance when he reached triple figures, but explained the value of his contribution after bad light stopped play with the West Indies 62 for two in their second innings.
Chosen to follow in the footsteps of Marshall brothers Hamish and James, Mathew Sinclair, Lou Vincent, Michael Papps, Craig Cumming, Matthew Bell and most recently Aaron Redmond at the top of the order McIntosh was delighted to have justified his selection after a decade of first class cricket with Auckland.
"I've put in some long hard yards in the last few seasons and if you dedicate and put your mind to something like this, you can get a great deal of reward."
Meanwhile, the man who could have ended McIntosh's innings at 14 accepted the blame for a costly fielding lapse.
Fidel Edwards , who claimed his 100th test wicket and also career-best figures of seven for 87, admitted a horrible mix-up with wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin had cost the West Indies dearly.
The duo converged on a top edged pull by McIntosh on Saturday but hesitated in unison before the ball landed safely centimetres away.
"I guess it cost us in a big way, he got a big century," the 26-year-old fast bowler lamented.
"I was going for it but I heard someone say 'keeper' so I just pulled out. It was my fault."
Edwards at least had the satisfaction of helping prevent New Zealand building a demoralising first innings lead after they lost their last six wickets for 55.
"It's put the team in a good position, hopefully we can push on score some big runs and get a win."
That scenario is likely to depend on opener and captain Chris Gayle inflating his 36 while the prolific Shivnarine Chanderpaul poses his usual threat in the middle order.
