The Black Caps picked up a handful of wickets as they pegged Australia back in the first session of day two in Adelaide.
Resuming on 54-2, the hosts looked to make early working chipping into New Zealand's first innings score of 202 with Adam Voges and Steve Smith at the crease.
But it would the Black Caps who made the early breakthrough, Voges gone for 13 after he edged a Tim Southee delivery behind into Martin Guptill's hands.
Skipper Brendon McCullum then produced some great fielding to grab New Zealand's second wicket of the session, running out Shaun Marsh (2) with a direct hit of the stumps.
Brother Mitchell Marsh didn't put up much resistance either, clipping a Doug Bracewell delivery behind to go for just 4.
Steve Smith kept the run rate ticking over as he brought up his half century, but a misplaced shot saw him caught behind for 53 off Mark Craig.
The spinner would strike again in the same over as Peter Siddle (0) was caught at short leg by Tom Latham.
Mitchell Santner grabbed a late wicket on debut, bowling Josh Hazlewood for 4, and leaving Australia 116/8.
The hosts trail by 86 runs.
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