England had to settle for a draw in the second Test as forecast heavy rain washed out the final day at the Basin Reserve.
The tourists were 49 runs ahead, with New Zealand 162 for two following on, after rain also restricted play to just 35 overs on Sunday.
But there was an air of resignation by last night that this match, like the first in Dunedin last week, would end in a rain-affected stalemate.
A Paradise Shelduck walks around the outfield
James Anderson took the only wicket to fall on day four, Kane Williamson (55no) and Ross Taylor sharing an unbroken stand of 81, and England therefore knew then they had only a slim chance of victory - even if the rain stayed away.
Instead, the remnants of Cyclone Sandra did their worst - and although the officials took no chances, play was finally abandoned at 2pm local time.
The series score remains 0-0, and the final Test in Auckland - starting on Friday - is therefore a potential decider.