Brendon McCullum became the first New Zealander to hit a triple century as they posted their highest ever score in the second Test against India in Wellington.

Jimmy Neesham also smashed his way to a maiden Test hundred as the Kiwis declared on 680-8 in their second innings to bat the tourists out of the match, and the series.

Black Caps captain McCullum, who scored 224 in Auckland last week, added 21 to his overnight total before his near 11-hour knock was ended when he was caught behind off Zaheer Khan for 302.

The hosts did not immediately insert India as expected, allowing Neesham - who had previously only scored 36 runs in five Tests - to hit 20 boundaries in an unbeaten 137, which left India needing an almost impossible 435 runs in just over two sessions to win and level the two-match series at one apiece.

Khan also picked up the wicket of Tim Southee as he recorded figures of 5-170, but New Zealand's remarkable recovery, which was also aided by a career-best 124 by wicket-keeper BJ Watling, from 94-5 on day three to their current position has put them in complete control at lunch of the final day.

Murali Vijay and Shikhar Dhawan were not out on seven and two respectively as India left the field on 10-0, 425 runs behind.