With New Zealand all out for 470, Ambrose made 55 before getting out just after lunch.
Ian Bell, overcame a badly bruised hand and made 25 in an England first innings total of 348.
New Zealand went on to declare at 177-9, giving England a target of 300 to win.Ryan Mills took four quick wickets as England slumped to 30-4.
Ian Bell came in for the afternoon session and was on twenty when he was joined by Tim Ambrose.
The wicketkeeper was out four balls later without scoring. Bell went on to make 54 but ran out of partners when England were all out for 110 and lost by 189 runs.