Otago ground its way into a position where it was able to put Auckland under a little pressure at Molyneux Park yesterday.
The Volts faced 170 overs on their way to 454 for nine and opted to declare rather than bat on yesterday.
They had a first-innings lead of 103 runs but rain caused the morning session to be abandoned.
The Volts picked up the early wicket of Will O’Donnell for eight.
But Sean Solia (46 not out) and Mark Chapman (61 not out) knuckled down and put on an unbeaten 95 for the second wicket.
Auckland had reached 116 for one and had a lead of 13 runs when the game was called off.
There was no realistic chance to force a result in a game which had seemed destined for a draw from the outset.
Dale Phillips posted his fourth first-class century to provide a highlight in an otherwise sleepy game.
Otago coach Dion Ebrahim said the pitch had some pace in it but it was difficult to score at a decent clip.
"It was a wicket that you needed a fair bit of patience and some high execution," he said.
"You could get rewards after a long sustained period from that.
"It was challenging and I thought our bowling attack bowled really well on day one to keep them to under twos [two runs per over] for most of the day."
Both sides are at the bottom of the Plunket Shield standings, so there was not much to be gained by trying to contrive a result.
Otago’s final match of the season is against Central Districts in Palmerston beginning next week.
Central (67 points) recorded a six-wicket win against Canterbury (83 points) in Rangiora yesterday to stay in the title race.
Wellington (60 points) almost stole a win against Northern Districts (79 points) in a tremendous chase on the last day.
The Firebirds needed 391 but fell just three runs short.
Rookie Gareth Severin announced his arrival with a wonderful knock of 196. But he got out in the final over with victory in sight.
Mitchell Santner got No 11 Kieran McComb next ball to seal the dramatic win.
