Monty Panesar delivered a career-best performance as England completed a comprehensive 121-run victory over New Zealand to end a three-year wait for an overseas Test series win.

The left-arm spinner claimed six for 126 as New Zealand were finally dismissed for 431 shortly after lunch on the final day of the third Test after being set an unlikely victory target of 553.

England's victory parade was briefly held up by Kiwi debutant Tim Southee, who delighted the crowd with a whirlwind 40-ball 77 not out at the end.

Panesar's figures eclipsed his previous Test best of six for 129 against West Indies at Old Trafford last summer, and it was his seventh five-wicket haul in 26 appearances.

His efforts ensured England completed a 2-1 series triumph, their first overseas since beating South Africa in 2004-05.

It was also the first time they had come from behind to win a three-Test series since Sri Lanka seven years ago.

New Zealand had initially frustrated the tourists after resuming at McLean Park on 222 for five with Ross Taylor and Brendon McCullum adding 54 runs in the first nine overs of the day.

But the introduction of Panesar in the seventh over changed the situation as he struck with his 12th ball to end a spirited 104-run partnership.

Taylor, unbeaten on 34 overnight, looked particularly defiant and hit three boundaries in the first over from man-of-the-series Ryan Sidebottom, who was withdrawn after his opening three-over spell cost 31 runs.

Taylor took just three overs to bring up his half-century with a clip off his legs off Sidebottom and McCullum looked equally comfortable at the crease.

Panesar, though, ended their partnership with a turning delivery which Taylor edged low to Paul Collingwood at second slip and then bowled McCullum in his next over as he attempted to force onto on-side.

England's march was delayed for a further 16 overs, however, while captain Daniel Vettori combined with Jeetan Patel in a dogged 48-run stand.

Once again, though, Panesar broke through when Patel swept and was caught by a diving Stuart Broad and three overs later Vettori edged behind attempting to pull James Anderson.

But despite last man Chris Martin - statistically the worst batsman in world cricket with an average of just two - arriving at the crease, England were unable to finish the job before lunch.

Indeed it was until seven overs into the second session that Sidebottom finally completed England's victory by bowling Martin, but by then Southee's powerful hitting had left scars on the tourists' attack.

Southee raced to the seventh quickest half-century in Test history and the quickest by a New Zealand player by hammering seven sixes and two fours.

His strokeplay enabled New Zealand to score 84 for the final wicket, with Martin contributing just five before his stumps were shattered by Sidebottom.