India clinched their first series win in New Zealand since 1968 on Tuesday when the third Test ended in a draw after the final day in Wellington was hit by bad weather.

Rahul Dravid, second right, is congratulated after breaking the record for most catches in Test cricket.

Predicted downpours appeared the hosts only hope of avoiding another defeat after they had been set a stratospheric target of 617 runs for victory.

Rain finally came to the rescue 30 minutes after lunch with New Zealand 281 for eight, still 336 runs short. Play was finally called off two hours 20 minutes later with 57.3 overs remaining.

Ross Taylor was again top scorer for New Zealand with 107 following on from his first innings of 42 while Harbhajan Singh led the way with four wickets for the tourists.

Zaheer Khan also finished with a seven-wicket match haul after taking five in the first innings while Sachin Tendulkar took two for 26 runs in his six-over spell on the final day.

Taylor and James Franklin (49) resumed in windy, overcast conditions when play began half-an-hour early following Monday's early finish.

The pair added a further 59 runs to the overnight score of 167 for four before Taylor was bowled by off-spinner Harbhajan shortly after completing his fourth Test century.

Brendon McCullum went shortly afterwards, caught by Rahul Dravid who lifted his world record to 184 victims.

By lunch the hosts had reached 254 for seven while Tim Southee lasted 13 balls before being given out caught behind by Dhoni off Harbhajan before rain ruined India's efforts.