The Black Caps have beaten South Africa in the first cricket test in Mount Maunganui by 281 runs.

New Zealand wrapped up the match late on day four in Tauranga, after South Africa managed to frustrate the Kiwis for much of the day.

South Africa were 62 for two in their second innings at lunch as they chased a mammoth 529 for victory.

A stubborn partnership between David Bedingham - who fell short of a century with 87 runs - and Keegan Petersen - who scored 16 runs in 63 balls - offered some resistance for the Proteas.

But when both fell in quick succession, it was only a matter of time before New Zealand claimed victory.

New Zealand's Mitchell Santner can't stop a lofted off-drive from South Africa's Raynard van Tonder on the fourth day of the first cricket test at Bay Oval.  Photo: Jamie Troughton/Dscribe Media.

Just as the pair had reached their century partnership, Kyle Jamieson struck with the second of his four-wicket haul.

Mitch Santner mopped up the tail, claiming the last three wickets as South Africa were all out for 247.

New Zealand players react after Edward Moore is dismissed by Matt Henry on the fourth day of the first cricket test at Bay Oval. Photo: Jamie Troughton/Dscribe Media.

Among the wickets was the bizarre dismissal of Clyde Fortayne, who swept Glenn Phillips straight into the shin of Tom Latham, with the ball popping up in the air for an easy catch for Tom Blundell.

Santner and Jamieson finished with match figures of 6/93 and 6/94 respectively, while Rachin Ravindra was awarded man of the match for his 240 in the first innings while also taking 2/16 with the ball.

The Black Caps declared Wednesday morning on their overnight total of 179/4 in their second innings, giving South Africa two days to chase down the target.

New Zealand's Mitchell Santner on his way to wrapping up the South African tail on the fourth day of the first cricket test at Bay Oval.Photo: Jamie Troughton/Dscribe Media.

New Zealand posted 511 in their first innings with Ravindra's double century and a century to Kane Williamson.

Williamson backed that up with another century in the second innings to take his tally to 31 centuries in 97 tests.

South Africa could only muster 162 in their first innings, with Matt Henry and Santner taking three wickets each.

Pace bowlers Tim Southee and Matt Henry have taken a wicket each on Wednesday as the Black Caps seek to go 1-0 up in the two-test series.

New Zealand have never beaten South Africa in a test series but have a golden opportunity to do so when the second test starts in Hamilton on Tuesday.

RNZ