Even Kane Williamson, who scored his lowest aggregate of runs (six) in a two-innings test, delivered three for 15 with the ball in the second innings, including the lbw of Alastair Cook for 56.
Pre-match McCullum insisted they could play the game the same way they did at Lord's, after seeing that test slip from their control on the fourth day.
The skipper faced a degree of opprobrium in the interim, but could feel vindicated this morning.
"Lord's was certainly how we want to play, but we were beaten by a better team. It's not easy to remain true to your beliefs when you're under pressure at 1-0 down in a two-test series with a proud record.
"We had to go and get the result. The guys bought into it and we scored [804 runs] at more than 4.5 an over [4.93]. We gave ourselves every opportunity to force the result.
"At times we were behind, like going to two for two after losing the toss, but guys got us back into the game and we pushed on with aggressive intent. That gives us our greatest chance. It's not always going to come off, but we know how to win tests when we play like this."
The weather also played a part.
"We knew there was potential for rain, hence the declaration," McCullum said. "We wanted the opportunity to have two new balls, and we needed them in the end."
B-J Watling earned man-of-the-match for his third innings century but admitted he was surprised in a tough field of candidates.
"Mark Craig was one. He took some wickets [five for 121], scored runs [99 undismissed] and was outstanding in the slips [three catches]."
"Mark was created plenty of ooh-aah moments to heap pressure on opposition. He had an outstanding game across all facets." McCullum added.
Catches proved a big difference between the two sides. England spilt six across the game. Williamson catching Ian Bell at leg slip and Latham catching Joe Root at short leg, both off Craig, were among the New Zealand fielding gems.
"The catches on the third morning when it was freezing and the ball hits the hand hard were not that pleasant," Watling said.
Both teams agreed a third test would be welcome but accepted it was in administrator hands.
"We've got to earn the right," McCullum said. "Our performances over a period haven't been good enough to demand longer test series."
"If you were a boxing promoter you'd be asking for a re-match right now," said Cook.
"The series was played in exactly the spirit which cricket should be played, it was a pleasure to be part of."
