Southee finished with 2-34 in his 107th and final Test, ending the career of one of New Zealand's finest players.

Kane Williamson top-scored for the home side with 156 while part-time spinner Jacob Bethell finished with England's best figures of 3-72.

Kane Williamson was at the crease on 50 and Rachin Ravindra two.

The visiting side, led by Ben Stokes, showed this heartfelt gesture as the retiring pacer walked out to bat on the opening day of the third Test in Hamilton.

New Zealand failed to capitalise on a rock-steady start to reach 315-9 on day one of the third and final Test against England in Hamilton on Saturday.

A sustained seam attack by Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse following a belligerent batting effort saw England on the verge of wrapping up the first Test at stumps on day three in Christchurch on Saturday.

NZC chief executive Scott Weenink said there were already indications that the three matches against Brendon McCullum's team would attract the same sort of bumper attendances witnessed for the two home Tests against Australia in February and March.