The win meant that New Zealand has gained one rankings point and now lies two points adrift of sixth placed India, who have 96 points. The result also saw the Black Caps increase the gap with eight-placed West Indies to 19.
South Africa are on top of the Test table at 124 points while Australia are in second place at 117 points.
New Zealand has a chance to progress further up the Test rankings when it hosts Sri Lanka in a two Test match series which begins in December.
1. South Africa 124
More From This Section
2. Australia 117
3. England 104
4. Pakistan 103
5. Sri Lanka 101
6. India 96
7. New Zealand 94
8. West Indies 75
9. Bangladesh 32
10. Zimbabwe 18.