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Tendulkar not only notched up his 42nd Test century but anchored the innings brilliantly to steer India to a commanding first innings total of 520.
Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni (47) and Zaheer Khan (51 not out) chipped in with useful contribution as the visitors took advantage of a good batting track of Seddon Park to put the host team on the back-foot.
The Kiwis were struggling at 75 for three at close on the third day, still trailing by 166 runs.
With two full days left, Black Caps will have to bat out of their skin to prevent India from taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Indians took the wicket of night watchman Kyle Mills in the very last ball to cap a day, completely dominated by them with Tendulkar standing out with his heroic knock.
It was Tendulkar's third hundred in four Tests since the 109 against Australia at Nagpur last November, putting him clearly ahead of Ricky Ponting's 37 hundreds (129 Tests).
New Zealand got off to a poor start in the second essay, losing Tim McIntosh (0) in the third ball of the innings, before Martin Guptill, who played some delightful strokes through the off-side during his enterprising 48.
Tendulkar injured the index finger of his left hand while taking a low slip catch, offered by McIntosh off Khan.
Guptill and Daniel Flynn (batting 24) put the brakes on India, posting 68 runs for the second wicket.
Harbhajan Singh broke the partnership by sending back Guptill, who played an uppish drive and Virender Sehwag at mid-off pounced on the easy chance.
Earlier, Tendulkar was in supreme form this morning as he began his symphony at the crease with an exquisite cover drive off Chris Martin, following it up with an endemic punch of the back foot through covers.
It was the Tendulkar of yore as boundaries oozed out of his thickset willow. He turned the heat on Iain I'Brien and Jesse Ryder, hitting on the up through the off, back cutting and flicking with finesse.
His skill, balance, grace, steely determination and saint-like temperament which have been essence of his successful career spread over 20 years came to the fore as he expanded his overnight 70.
The Kiwis merely watched in awe as Tendulkar moved into top gear at the square, working the ball delightfully off the square.
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OK ON TODAY HITECH CONDITIONS TENDULKAR IS FORWARD. BUT WE SHOULD NOT FORGET OUR LITTLE MASTER GAVASKAR
Its good to see that Marathi manoos can also play for India after getting inspired by Congressi Sehwag.
Sachin is truly great. We have enjoyed his batting in NZ. He does seem to be effortless in his approach, much like 2 decades ago. Time has not withered him. He was also so eloquent for autographs that he is a role model, and other young cricketers should learn from him. He has very good manners in front of camera. He is promoting India's image like no other Indian can, today. And we feel very proud to be Indian ! Is does not metter if India wins or loses, after all cricket is only a game, but there is a lot to learn from this great man !
it is really happy to see that sachin playing well in NZ and helping india to win.he is executting the shots perfectly.best of luck for series win.
Congrats Sachin!!!
Yes. Sachn is a great person. He has scored runs in ODI and Tests and set a very high record. May be there are 85 international 100s. Obviously, it is Indian Cricket Team ejnoyed the scores and excelled on many occasions. Besides, he is a very good family person. Apart from Cricketing days, he is confined to his family and business. No gossips for nearly 2 decades of Sachin. Thirdly, he is a best Coach and Trainer behind camera. No egos with youngsters at the same time keeping respecct of all. Again scring runs like youngsters. The generosity he has shown on many fields are the testimony for his greatness. Yes, Indeed Sachin is a great personality. Kudos to him on his 42nd test Century.
Congratulations - Sachin. Carry on with the good work.Create a record of centuries which no 'Punter' in the world can break.
Sorry Buddy Records are made to be broken. I wish we have more likes sachin in the years to come to Uplift Team India...Please note I said likes cos Sachin is a Mater piece
THIS IS WHAT SACHIN CAN DO ONLY, NOBODY SHOULD PUTTING A QUESTION MARK IN HIS CARRER UPTO HIS OWN DISCISION TO COME REGARDING HIS RETIREDMENT. ONE SHOULD PRAY TO GOD TO EXTEND THEIR POWER FOR ANOTHER 10 YRS FOR INTERNATIONAL CRICKET. NOBODY IN THIS WORLD CAN ENTERTAIN THIS MUCH IN WORLD CRICKET, THAT'S WHY HE IS MASTER IN CRICKET. ATLEAST HE SHOULD CONTINUE PLAYING CRICKET UPTO NEXT WORLD CUP, WHICH IS INDIA'S HOPE IN CURRENT FORM. HE IS NOT ONLY PLAYING CRICKET TO SCORE FOR THE TEAM , BUT ALSO DOING A GREAT JOB AS A COACH IN HIDDEN, OTHERS ARE OBSERVING HOW THE MASTER IS PLAYING THE GAME. AND AFTER RETIRING FROM INTERNATION CRICKET HE SHOULD BE THE COACH OF TEAM INDIA.