Otago has rebounded from an almost hopeless position to gain parity in its Plunket Shield match with Auckland at Colin Maiden Park.
The Volts had slumped to 12 for three in reply to the Aces total of 298.
But some determined batting from the middle and lower order helped the visitors slip out of the noose.
All-rounder Sam Wells led the fightback with a superb knock of 74.
The left-hander batted with a runner after sustaining a knee injury while bowling on Tuesday and will not be able to bowl today.
His stay lasted nearly three hours and he featured in two pivotal partnerships which got the Volts to within seven runs of first innings points.
Strike bowler Neil Wagner capped off a sterling day by snaring two quick wickets before stumps.
With two days remaining, Auckland leads by 33 runs with two second innings wickets remaining.
This morning's session should be fascinating as both sides struggle to gain the upper hand.
Early wickets will be the key for Otago.
"The first hour will be really important," Otago coach Mike Hesson said.
"The new ball does swing up here in the humid conditions, and if you're aggressive and put the ball in the right areas you will create opportunities."
Like they did in Queenstown last week, Wells and gloveman Derek de Boorder combined in a crucial partnership to help their side gain traction.
The pair came together with Otago teetering at 51 for five and added a valuable 79 for the sixth-wicket.
De Boorder has made a bright start to the summer with innings of 92, 39 and 40 yesterday.
Likewise, Wells has been in impressive form with the bat.
He scored an entertaining 70 last week but was more circumspect yesterday.
That was just what Otago needed.
As for his injury, Hesson is hopeful it will come "right in two or three days".
When de Boorder offered a catch, Ian Butler picked up the baton.
The seamer swatted six boundaries in a rapid-fire half century - his third in first-class cricket.
Wagner (41) and Nick Beard (22) also proved difficult to pry from the crease.
Wagner belted two sixes and four boundaries as his side closed in on first innings points.
But with the target in sight Daryl Tuffey struck to remove Wagner.
Jamie How underlined his return to the New Zealand team with a controlled 85 for Central Districts as it dominated day two of its match against Canterbury in Napier yesterday, NZPA reports.
However, he was outshone by opening partner Peter Ingram who struck 140 as the home team moved into a dominant position at Nelson Park, ending the day on 440 for nine and with an overall lead of 174 runs.
Wellington grabbed three late wickets but could not stop Northern Districts from snatching first-innings points after two days of their match in Wellington yesterday.
The visiting team has a 21-run lead with five first-innings wickets in hand after ending the second day on 295 for five in response to Wellington's first dig of 274.
Brad Wilson (91) and Michael Parlane (61) posted a 114-run opening stand before captain James Marshall (72) and Scott Styris (51) carried on the momentum for ND.
Earlier, Trent Boult mopped up Wellington's tail to finish with five for 48.
