An aggregate of 431 gave the hosts a decent stage in Dunedin and they twice took two fast wickets – every one of the four batsmen got behind – to put Sri Lanka stuck in an unfortunate situation.
Yet, opener Dimuth Karunaratne made an insubordinate 84 and Dinesh Chandimal finished the day 83 not out to leave Sri Lanka 197 for four at stumps.
New Zealand continued on 409 for eight after Martin Guptill's innings of 156 and added another 22 to their aggregate, Doug Bracewell coming to a Test-best 47 preceding he was last man out.
They made quick advances into the Sri Lanka innings with two wickets in the initial 13 overs, Kusal Mendis and debutant Udara Jayasundera succumbing to one and eight individually as the sightseers limped to 38 for two at lunch.
They remade, however, with a stand of 122 in the middle of Karunaratne and Chandimal. Just 10 runs originated from the initial eight overs after lunch yet both batsman were remunerated for their patient methodology.
Karunaratne was on 42 from 132 balls before he struck two limits in the same Neil Wagner over, the second in a row back between the bowler and non-striker, to raise a hard-won half-century.
Chandimal took after with a speedy single off Mitchell Santner from the 143rd ball he confronted, having hit just three limits, yet only two overs later Karunaratne was gone.
Sixteen shy of a century, he retreated to cut Santner yet was confined for room and could just toe-end the ball to wicketkeeper BJ Watling, who took his third catch.
What's more, a fourth soon took after for the gloveman as Sri Lanka skipper Angelo Mathews was at first given not out but rather inverse number Brendon McCullum alluded the choice and the Hot-Spot innovation demonstrated the most slender hint of an inside edge on Tim Southee's leg-side conveyance.
That was 156 for four and a close strokeless vigil from Kithuruwan Vithanage was exactly what was required to see Sri Lanka through to stumps – however he was gravely dropped by Kane Williamson at short cover as the typically solid defender neglected to get a mis-timed drive.
Vithanage made due on 10 not out and had put on 41 with Chandimal by the n
