The tourists failed to bat out the final day as they lost by an innings and 65 runs at the Bay Oval.

Joe Denly was the only batsman to last longer than 85 balls, with a number of poor shots costing England.

"We missed an opportunity when you look at the two first innings in comparison," Root, 28, said.

England opted to bat first on a good pitch but were bowled out for 353, with New Zealand making 615-9 declared in response.

Root's side have now lost three of their last four Test matches away from home.

"We did a lot of good stuff, we just need to do it for longer. It's different to the style of cricket we've had to play in our home conditions," Root said.

"The most important thing for the young players is not to look too deeply into this or get too down about it.

"Draw a line underneath it, be aware of where we can make improvements but also recognise the good things we have done.

"We have made quite a big shift and mental approach to how we play our cricket and we have to give that time to work and be patient."

The second Test at Hamilton begins on Thursday at 22:00 GMT.

'It's a mindset thing'

New Zealand pace bowler Neil Wagner took 5-44 as England were bowled out for 197

England had been well set at 277-4 on the first day of the Test but a collapse of four wickets for 18 runs limited their first-innings total.

They then spent 201 overs in the field as BJ Watling ground out a double century and Mitchell Santner made 126.

Only three England batsmen made half-centuries and all three came in the first innings, with Denly's 35 the top score in the second innings.

"Trying to bat longer will not happen overnight. The key is not to look too deeply into it," Root told Sky Sports.

"It's a mindset thing - we have to learn from mistakes like this game and move on quickly.

"We have to do what we did well for longer."

It was a frustrating first Test away from home for Jofra Archer, who was below his best and finished with figures of 1-107 from 42 overs.

Former England bowling coach Mark Ramprakash previously said Root had tactically misused Archer on the third day.

"Jofra's a hugely exciting talent and he has a huge amount of skill but he has to learn there are certain spells where he needs to ramp it up more," Root added.

"He may have to bowl shorter spells. The energy and effort have to be there all the time.

"He's taken international cricket by storm but having too high an expectation of him at the start of his career is a dangerous thing."

Root, too, was asked about his own form and whether captaincy is taking its toll on his batting.

He averages 39.70 as Test captain compared to 52.80 when he is not in charge.

"I'd say that is an easy thing to look at," said Root.

"Sometimes players go through phases of their career where they are not as consistent or make the scores they would like.

"That seems to marry up with the fact I have taken on the captaincy but it wouldn't be a question at a different phase of my career.

"I'm not too worried about it and this game in particular I found two dreadful ways to get out but I'm not far away."