The Black Caps batsmen have all failed to push on from great starts on the opening day of the three-day tour match against a South African Invitational side in Paarl.
Brendon McCullum's top scored with 65 as New Zealand finished the day on 311 for six.
Every batsman got over 20.
Meanwhile, five uncapped players are the feature of the Black Caps 15-man squad for the ODI leg of the South African tour.
Coach Mike Hesson says Corey Anderson, Ronnie Hira, Mitchell McClenaghan, Colin Munro and Jimmy Neesham are all vying for the spot vacated by Jacob Oram.
