Both sides began the day harbouring hopes of victory with New Zealand resuming 269 runs ahead on 147 for eight, but the momentum swung from the moment the hosts set England a victory target of 300 in a minimum of 81 overs.
The tourists' challenge was ended quickly with seamer Kyle Mills tearing through their top order by claiming four wickets for two runs in 25 balls as England slumped to 110 all out despite a 33-run last wicket stand between Ian Bell and Monty Panesar.
Mills finished with figures of four for 16 and Chris Martin three for 33 to earn the Kiwis a comprehensive triumph which left Vettori delighted with his team's all-round display.
"The way we've played Test cricket over the last year or so, we haven't played it that well and this was a complete Test performance over five days," explained the skipper, who was named man of the match.
"We actually don't play that many five-day Test matches in New Zealand. Normally the wicket can dictate the outcome and if you win a toss you can bowl and set yourself up to win.
"What we did here, that was a very tough, flat wicket and it didn't offer a lot. We bowled well and set a good total in the first innings so that's the way you go about winning Test cricket.
"It's something we haven't done all that well so to step up against a very good England team and win is probably my most satisfying Test win in the long time that I've played."
By contrast, Michael Vaughan admitted the defeat was his "lowest point" as England captain after watching his side capitulate.
It stretches their dismal run in overseas Tests to just one victory in the last 17 and leaves England, who entered the series as overwhelming favourites, facing an uphill battle to claim anything out of the three-match series.
"I guess it's my lowest point as England captain," admitted Vaughan. "It's never nice when your team has performed to a level you don't expect.
"To get to a ground on the last day with a small sniff of victory and to end up losing in such a dramatic fashion is not a great feeling at all.
"We felt if we'd have got to 80 or 100 for one, which on that wicket was certainly achievable, we could maybe have had a dip this afternoon at that target, but when you lose four quick wickets it was going to be difficult.
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