Poor weather has ruined what was shaping as an intriguing day at the Basin Reserve.
Play between Otago and Wellington did not get under way until 3.30pm.
Otago was 100 for two at stumps and trails the home side by 228.
With basically half of the overs lost on the second day, both sides will be racking their brains figuring out how a result will be possible.
Otago might be tempted to declare well behind in the hope of setting up a chase on day four.
But before that is possible, the Volts still have some work to do to make the game safe.
Brad Wilson is undefeated on 50 with Otago's most experienced batsman, Neil Broom, at the wicket with him on 19.
Earlier, Wellington resumed on 279 for eight with Luke Ronchi undefeated on 83 and lining up his 15th first-class hundred.
It took Otago just over eight overs to wrap up Wellington's first innings but the home side rattled on 49 runs to reach 328.
Ronchi scored 33 of the runs and was 116 not out when Jacob Duffy bowled last man out Brent Arnel for a duck.
Duffy also captured Matt McEwan's wicket to finish with two for 109 - some reward, but a very tough match so far for the 21-year-old.
He was shown up by veteran left-armer Bradley Scott, who took four wickets on the opening day.
The 36-year-old is playing in his first four-day game in 12 months.
In the other matches, Canterbury is 32 for two in its second innings and leads Central Districts by 107 runs with two days remaining in Rangiora.
At Eden Park Outer Oval, Auckland was 312 for five at stumps on day two in reply to Northern Districts' total of 381
