Sri Lanka went lunch at 287 for three in their second innings still nine runs behind the Black Caps first innings total of 578 after just an hour of play was possible in the first session due to the weather.
The rain became more persistent during the break and the players never returned to the field.
Black Caps leave the field as the rain arrives at the Basin Reserve. Photo: Photosport
After having Sri Lanka 13 for 3 in their second innings Kusal Mendis, 141 not out, and Angelo Mathews 120 not, enjoyed a 274 run unbroken fourth wicket stand which began late on Monday and lasted all day Tuesday and into today's final day to save the match.
Bad weather had been forecast to interrupt most of Wednesday's final day and light rain delayed the start of play for 90 minutes until 12:30 p.m.
A southerly change during lunch, however, brought heavy showers across the ground and umpires Rod Tucker and Michael Gough had little option but to abandon play just before 4 p.m.
New Zealand had dominated the first three days of the match, dismissing Sri Lanka for 282 early on the second day, then batted themselves into a match-winning position with Tom Latham's unbeaten 264 driving them to their big total.
Tim Southee and Trent Boult reduced the visitors to 13 for three in their second innings late on the third day before Mathews and Mendis stonewalled New Zealand's pursuit for victory.
Sri Lanka's Kusal Mendis celebrates bringing up his century against the Black Caps. Photo: Photosport
The pair batted throughout the entire fourth day, the first time a wicket had not fallen on a complete day's play in test cricket in more than a decade.
The draw ensures that New Zealand can no longer move to second in the world test rankings at the conclusion of the two-match series.
The second test begins at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Boxing Day.
-RNZ/Reuters
Look back on the match here: