At lunch, Cheteshwar Pujara and Sachin Tendulkar were unbeaten on identical scores of 12, having negotiated 32 and 41 deliveries respectively in India's first innings.
Gambhir, who scored 22 off 36 balls, was the first to go when he chased a wide delivery to be caught behind before Sehwag followed him back to the pavillion after playing out a a 41-ball 47.
For the first time in 16 years, India were playing without batting stalwarts Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman, who retired in the aftermath of their eight successive Test defeats in England and Australia, and looked watchful against the Black Caps.
Electing to bat, India started briskly with Gambhir dispatching a Chris Martin loosener for a boundary through fine leg.
Welcomed with a bouncer, Sehwag began watchfully but soon both the openers scored freely against the inexperienced New Zealand seam attack.
