The New Zealand cricketers are 262-6 heading into the second day of the second test against Australia in Adelaide.
The Black Caps started the first day strongly, reaching 101-1 at lunch, but opener Aaron Redmond, 83, and Ross Taylor with 44 were the only batsmen in the top six to pass 30.
In the first session Jamie How was the only wicket to fall, out for 16.
But New Zealand lost three wickets in the middle session after Jesse Ryder,13, Redmond and Peter Fulton,29, fell to loose shots.
Captain Daniel Vettori, on 12, and Brendon McCullum on 30 will continue on the second morning.