Kane Williamson won the toss for the first time on tour and opted to bat first.
Santner's brief cameo helped New Zealand post 260
Kane Williamson too chipped in with valuable runs.
Ross Taylor started well but was sent packing by some smart glovework by Dhoni.
Martin Guptill composed a fluent half-century for New Zealand.
After Rohit's early departure, Ajinkya Rahane took on the onus of scoring the runs in a tricky chase.
James Neesham dealt India a sizeable blow when he trapped Ajinkya Rahane in front of the stumps for 57.
There was more trouble two overs later, when Neesham cleaned up MS Dhoni.
Mitchell Santner ended Pandya's bid to drive India forward and finished with commendable figures of 1 for 38.
Tim Southee dismissed Rohit Sharma early in chase to rock the hosts.
Virat Kohli started in typical fashion in chase but was dismissed off an ordinary delivery from Ish Sodhi, giving New Zealand hopes of a series-levelling victory.
Umesh Yadav and Dhawal Kulkarni delayed the inevitable but couldn't deny it as New Zealand won by 19 runs to force the series into the decider.