New Zealand reached lunch losing just one wicket in their chase for an unlikely victory in the first Test at the Gabba on Sunday.
Set 504 runs to win after an overnight declaration by Australia, the Kiwis were 48 for one when rain forced an early lunch on the fourth day.
Martin Guptill was on 16 with first-innings centurion Kane Williamson not out one.
New Zealand hold the record for the highest losing total in the fourth innings of a Test with 451 when chasing 550 against England at Christchurch in 2002.
Tom Latham was the only Black Caps wicket to fall in the morning session in Brisbane, leg before wicket to Mitchell Starc for 29.
Latham had looked assured and hooked Josh Hazlewood for six before he fell to Starc, only minutes before bad light stopped play.
Latham did not seek a referral after consulting with Guptill and television replays projected the delivery would have hit leg-stump.
Guptill, who took 24 balls to get off the mark, was given two lives, first before he had scored and then on seven as Australia searched for the initial breakthrough.
Joe Burns had two attempts at short leg to catch Guptill off Mitchell Johnson before Nathan Lyon got his fingers to a hot chance above his head at point, again off Johnson.
Heavy rain began to fall soon after the players left the field and ground staff had placed large covers against the pitch and surrounds in the hope of play resuming after lunch.