England have responded to a difficult innings by taking two New Zealand wickets, leaving the Black Caps on 53-2.
The hosts ended a torrid afternoon session all out for 232 following the dismissals of Graeme Swann for five and an lbw for Steven Finn, who could only muster four runs during his time at the crease.
The morning session was the most damaging for England as Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Matt Prior and Stuart Broad were all dismissed for an accumulation of just 49 runs.
New Zealand looked comfortable on the field, with Tim Southee taking four wickets, but the hosts had their chance to respond when the Black Caps went into bat when James Anderson dismissed Hamish Rutherford for five.
The bowler then made history by taking his 300th Test wicket for England after Swann caught out Peter Fulton at second slip.
Kane Williamson (11) and Ross Taylor (32) remain at the crease for the final session of the day.