The answer to strong wind and rain is good technique, and while Phoenix had the silkier qualities, Otago replied with one of the best wet weather performances seen locally.
The first surprise was Phoenix coach Jonathan Gould in goal since regular keeper Reece Crowther was injured at training.
But to keep in the spirit of the game, Gould's young son, Matt, played the second spell.
Otago took the lead after 25 minutes when Ant Hancock precisely finished off a flowing move, but Phoenix struck back just before halftime when A League player Mirjan Pavlovic broke through and scored from a narrow angle.
The wind threatened a classic game of two halves, but in the second half both teams played exceptionally controlled football and it was the Argentinian Toto who harnessed conditions with a blistering shot that gave Otago keeper Callum Flaws no chance.
Despite playing into a head wind, Otago equalised five minutes later when new signing James Govan finished off a prolonged spell of pressure.
Again, Phoenix took the lead through Zane Sole and, again, Otago equalised, with its best goal a switch play by Andy Coburn to Aaron Burgess who drilled the ball in.
Then Hancock nosed Otago in front before Phoenix's Hamish Watson bundling in a last-minute 4-4 equaliser from an in-swinging corner.
Sodden wet, both coaches congratulated their teams' efforts.
Otago's Malcolm Fleming was pleased he was able to play two 15-year-olds, Joel Stephens, and Jack Kirkwood.
Both leave next week for academies to further their careers.
Gould liked the control and technique exercise by his squad, and praised the team's spirit as well as individual performances by Alec Solomon and Zane Sole.
The Wellington Phoenix and Brisbane Roar will play their deferred A-League clash on neutral ground at Gold Coast United's Skilled Park on January 26.
The round 23 fixture, scheduled for last Sunday in Brisbane, was postponed because Suncorp Stadium was submerged by floodwaters.
Although the playing surface was being nurtured back to normal, there was extensive water damage to the ground floor of Queensland's premier football venue - including the players' dressing rooms.
The rescheduling means Phoenix faces a tough schedule of three games in eight days as it pushes for a place in the competition's top six.
It is currently eighth, two points out of play-off contention with six games remaining.
It hosts Perth Glory this Sunday, travels to the Gold Coast to play the runaway competition leader and then returns to Wellington to entertain Newcastle on January 30.
