Australia claimed a dramatic three-wicket victory against New Zealand after chasing down 279 to win the Trans-Tasman Test series 2-0.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey joined Mitch Marsh at the crease with Australia at five for 80 after Travis Head's wicket fell early on the fourth day at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.

The pair then put on a 140-run partnership before Mitch Marsh, who scored 80 runs, was trapped on the pads by debutant Ben Sears who finished with four wickets in the second innings.

The game hung in the balance as Mitchell Starc was then caught off the very next delivery with 59 runs still required.

But Pat Cummins stayed dug-in at the crease with Carey and provided a courageous captain's knock, hitting 32 off 40 balls including the winning runs. Although Carey fell two runs short of a century.

Carey took 10 catches behind the stumps to go with his match-high score of 98.

Henry took nine wickets in the match while Rachin Ravidra topped the scoring for the Blackcaps with a second innings total of 82.