Protecting a score of 191-7 that was underpinned by in-form Joe Root's 68 from 46 balls, England dismissed New Zealand for 135 in 16.2 overs on a balmy evening at Old Trafford after taking the last five wickets for four runs.
The Kiwis started the chase ahead of the required run rate of 9.55, but Kane Williamson (57) ran out of partners before becoming one of three batsmen to depart over four balls in the 15th over.
That plunged New Zealand to 131-8 and left-arm paceman David Willey (3-22) took the final two wickets in successive deliveries.
Propelled by a new attacking mentality, England also won a thrilling one-day international series 3-2 and is a different proposition in white-ball cricket to the team that surrendered so meekly at the Cricket World Cup in February and March.
"We were so far away in the World Cup," said England captain Eoin Morgan, whose side was eliminated in the group stage. "Things have turned around pretty quickly."
New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum described some of his team's batting as "amateurish."
"We got off to a reasonable start," McCullum said, "but we weren't able to build partnerships as the innings progressed.
"Credit to England, they've played some outstanding cricket this summer."
Root came to the crease when opener Jason Roy was run out after an explosive 23 that included two sixes in the second over, and smashed eight fours and one six to continue his strong recent form from the ODI series.
Alex Hales (27), Ben Stokes (24 not out) and Sam Billings (21) also weighed in with cameos and a target of 192 was competitive.
McCullum smashed 35 off 15 balls and Williamson's knock came off 37 deliveries and included eight fours. But Ross Taylor (17) was the only other player to get into double figures as England ended up sealing a comprehensive win.
Pakistan beats New Zealand XI by 120 runs in tour match
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