The Volts' first act of the summer lasted just 30 overs.
They slumped to 88 all out, with Brent Arnel running through what was an inexperienced top order.
The Knights had wrapped up first-innings points by 5pm and went on to win by 10 wickets.
It was a poor start to the season and Otago coach Mike Hesson is keen to avoid a repeat performance when the Volts get their four-day campaign under way against the same opponents at the Queenstown Events Centre today.
Redemption awaits.
"Last year we lost the toss in the first game and three hours later we were bowling," Hesson said.
"The first game of the season often sets the tone.
"We're playing against a decent ND side and we're going to have to play well."
Otago went into that game without the services of Aaron Redmond and Neil Broom.
But the experienced pair have been named in a 13-strong squad and add steel to the top five.
Both have fashioned impressive first-class records for Otago since transferring south from Canterbury.
Broom made the move in 2005 and has scored 2478 at an average of 46.75 in 38 matches.
Redmond made his Otago debut a year earlier and has scored 2102 at 42.89 in 32 matches.
Both have been in and out of the Black Caps in the past few seasons and will have a point to prove.
Otago captain and opener Craig Cumming will be chasing immortality.
He equalled the great left-hander Bert Sutcliffe's haul of 17 centuries for the province last season and should claim the record for himself at some stage.
Perhaps today.
That might not be the end of the milestones.
A good summer could see Cumming eclipse another Sutcliffe record.
The right-hander needs a further 792 runs to become Otago's most prolific run-maker and overtake Sutcliffe's tally of 6028 runs.
Cumming scored 924 runs last season and 784 the previous year.
Only Glenn Turner has scored more runs in a season for Otago with 1027 in 1975-76.
Black Caps all-rounder Nathan McCullum has been with the New Zealand team at the Hong Kong Sixes and will miss the opening day.
He will likely replace either Darren Broom or Mark Craig tomorrow.
Injuries have reduced Otago's bowling stocks with Warren McSkimming (stomach), Craig Smith (hamstring) and Anthony Bullick (groin) ruled out.
Neil Wagner will spearhead the attack which includes speedsters James McMillan and Ian Butler.
It is a big season for Wagner.
The South African-born left-armer has declared his allegiance to the Black Caps and hopes to qualify for New Zealand at the end of this summer.
By his standards he had a disappointing second season for the Volts, taking 28 first-class wickets at 37.39.
Otago has struggled to take 20 wickets in the past but made some progress last season.
All-rounder Sam Wells emerged, surprising with his ability to swing the older ball and score centuries.
Left-arm spinner Nick Beard lived up to his billing as the heir apparent to Daniel Vettori with a stunning performance against Auckland, taking six for 107 to help bowl his side to victory.
And McSkimming claimed his 200th first-class wicket, taking 23 at 28.39.
For all that, Otago finished fourth.
The Volts have had success in limited-over competition during the last few years but have not being able to transfer that form to the four-day game.
That is something it will be looking to rectify today.
