James Bracey and Ollie Robinson were handed debuts.
Tom Latham and Devon Conway made a steady start.
Ollie Robinson picked up his maiden wicket after Latham played on.
Anderson knocked over Kane Williamson soon after Lunch.
Devon Conway reached his maiden Test fifty on debut.
Ollie Robinson trapped Ross Taylor leg before as NZ lost two wickets in the second session.
Conway kept England at bay, leading New Zealand's fightback.
Devon Conway became the 12th New Zealander to score a century on debut.
Conway and Nicholls added 132 runs for the fourth wicket as New Zealand ended the opening day on 246/3. Conway remained unbeaten on 136, while Nicholls was on 46 not out.