The 167-run win completed on Thursday was built on Taylor's two fine efforts with the bat, alongside the skill and aggression of pace bowlers Tim Southee and Trent Boult, who took 15 wickets between them.
Sri Lanka's powerful top order struggled to handle the swinging new ball in both innings as Southee and Boult recorded Test-best hauls of 8-120 and 7-75 respectively.
They were supported by Doug Bracewell, whose pace was decisive in New Zealand's Test defeat of Australia in Hobart nearly a year ago.
"The batsmen have got a lot of criticism over the time but we haven't really had the bowlers to get 20 wickets in some tests," Taylor said.
"But the three we've got at the moment, the three quicks, are very exciting and raw. I guess in Test match cricket that's exciting."
Taylor said Southee was the obvious standout performer but noted Boult's ability to swing the ball and produce spells of genuine pace.
"Boult has only played a handful of games, but he continues to improve each match," Taylor said.
"Even the two wickets that Doug Bracewell got in the final innings were crucial wickets. (Kumar) Sangakkara and (Mahela) Jayawardene can bat a couple of days if they want to, so it's nice to be able to get them out early."
The Black Caps' lodged their first Test win in Sri Lanka for 14 years and broke a run of five successive losses this year, which had heaped the pressure on Taylor's men.
The skipper was pleased his side could return with some pride restored after what had been a miserable tour, including a 10-wicket loss in the first Test at Galle.
However, he warned they would need to step up again for the tour of South Africa starting in three weeks, followed by the visit of England in February/March.
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