Shelley Nitschke led Australia to the victory with a superb unbeaten century as the visitors chased down the required target with over two overs to spare.

The result is somewhat surprising considering the Aussies were white-washed 5-0 in the Twenty20 series.

The White Ferns' failure to transfer their impressive form from the shortened version to the 50-over format is perplexing with five losses to the Aussies on this side of the ditch before dropping the first match, of a three-game series, by two wickets in Queenstown last week.

On Saturday, Amy Satterthwaite top scored with 81 and combined with first-drop all-rounder Suzie Bates (61) in a steady 114-run partnership to resurrect the home side's innings after the quick departures of openers Katey Martin (14) and Victoria Lind (21).

While Sara McGlashan's quick-fire 34 off 30 balls saw New Zealand post 8-255.

But Australia made light work of its run chase, led by outstanding South Australian Nitschke, who made a composed 113 not out from 130 balls to help the visitors reach its target with 15 balls to spare and claim an unassailable 2-0 series lead.

Nitschke was well supported by Sarah Elliot (59) as the pair battened down the hatches with a 108-run stand.

Earlier, Julie Hunter ripped through the New Zealand batting line-up, claiming 3-40 from eight overs.

The Southern Stars wrapped up their New Zealand tour with their final ODI yesterday, with a few weeks preparation ahead of the Twenty20 World Cup in the West Indies.