New Zealand beat Pakistan by 123 runs on the fifth day of the third and final Test to win the three-match series 2-1.

Pakistan were set 280 runs to win on day five, but the hosts were dismissed for 156 in 56.1 overs with spinners Ajaz Patel taking 3-42 and Will Somerville collecting 3-52 in Abu Dhabi.

It was New Zealand's first away series win against Pakistan since their 1-0 win in Pakistan in 1969 and their first Test series win in Asia since 2008 when they defeated Bangladesh.

Pakistan leg-spinner was named player of the series for his 29 wickets, while Black Caps captain Kane Williamson finished as the leading run-scorer with 386 runs.

The visitors trailied by 74 runs after the first innings, but centuries to Williamson (139) and Henry Nicholls (126no) set up a total of 7-353 before a declaration forced a thrilling finish.

Pakistan lost regular wickets to succumb to the impressive Black Caps.

"Beating Pakistan in their backyard is very tough," Williamson said.

"It feels pretty special, and this will be one that the guys remember for a long time.

"We knew there was a lot of hard work to do. We felt we had a good first-innings total, but Pakistan played well in their first innings.

"We know the game can ebb and flow very quickly but we came out and played very well today.

"The spinners that came along in this tour ... to come here and stand up and play the way they did, you have to bowl a lot of overs to get rewards, but they played a huge part in our win."

New Zealand won the first Test by four runs in Abu Dhabi while Pakistan were victorious in the second by an innings and 16 runs in Dubai.