Gains in some index heavyweights, including Australia's big four banks and Telstra, helped tip the market into positive territory, with many investors sidelined.

Australia's benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index had gained by as much as 1.0 percent before ending the day just 6.7 points ahead at 4,194.7, according to the latest data.

New Zealand's benchmark NZX 50 index rose 0.48 percent to 3,323.93.