England are 89 runs ahead of New Zealand at tea in their second innings on the final day of the first Test at Dunedin.
Nightwatchman Steven Finn scored his maiden Test match half-century as the Three Lions all but secured a draw.
Jonathan Trott also past 50 but was out shortly after as he fell, caught and bowled to Neil Wagner for 52.
Kevin Pietersen followed Trott back to the pavilion after making just 12, also falling to Wagner as he edged behind to BJ Watling.
Ian Bell, unbeaten on 10, and Finn looked solid at the crease at the tea break with England on 382-4.