It ended as series between New Zealand and England have tended to in recent times, the two sets of players sharing some cold ones and swapping stories on a sun-drenched outfield. Few teams get on better than these two once the cudgels are put down.
There was a little bit extra on this one, with the hugely popular Tim Southee having walked off the stage for the final time. Lauded by the great Sir Richard Hadlee at the presentation, and with his family at the ground, the 36-year-old was keen to drink in every last drop of what had been a victorious farewell on his home ground.
