World champion New Zealand has won its first game on Australian soil in over three years to square the three-game netball series 1-1 against the host nation.

The Silver Ferns powered away from Australia with a dominant second quarter and withstood a late comeback to earn a 50-42 victory at Perth's Challenge Stadium.

New Zealand had beaten Australia four straight times entering the series, dating back to last year's world championship final.

But a determined Australia responded well, winning game one 54-49 in Sydney.

A different New Zealand side took the court, however, out-hustling the home side for their first win in Australia since June, 2001.

Irene Van Dyk was her usual overpowering self, hitting 38 of her 45 shots for an 84 per cent return, taking full advantage of an injury to regular Australian goalkeeper Liz Ellis.

Ellis was ruled out after spraining her ankle in Australia's 54-49 win in game one in Sydney and hopes to return for the series decider in Melbourne on Saturday.

And the home side will need a vast improvement to overcome the Kiwis and win the series.

New Zealand jumped out to an early 4-1 lead, but stand-in Australian captain Catherine Cox lifted the home side, which fought back to tie the scores at 12-12 at quarter time.

But a re-focused New Zealand team took the court after the first break.

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