Auckland had a mixed day at Dunedin's University Oval yesterday.
Having been sent in by Otago in their Plunket Shield clash, joint leaders Auckland will start today at 233 for eight, having spent 93 overs at the crease.
Jeet Raval and Anaru Kitchen put on 63 for the first wicket but five wickets then tumbled for only 11 runs.
Wicketkeeper Brad Cachopa and Robbie O'Donnell mounted another rescue operation, putting on 115 for the sixth wicket, Cachopa hitting 71 and O'Donnell grinding his way to 59.
Canterbury were sent in by Northern Districts in Christchurch, and reached 325 for seven by stumps.
