Taylor finished 102 not out despite only being cleared to play two days before the Test after scarring on his left eye threatened his vision.
He was due to have surgery on Wednesday.
New Zealand declared late on the fourth day in Hamilton at 313 for 5 and Pakistan were one without loss after facing three overs before stumps.
Both sides vowed there would be no holding back on the final day withPakistan needing to win to keep their world number two ranking and New Zealand looking to improve on seventh place.
"All going well that last session could be really entertaining," said Taylor, who was pleased he made the decision to play.
"There were definitely thoughts going through my mind not to play so it was nice to draw on a bit of experience -- I've been in that situation before -- and put the team in a good place.
"Probably for the past year, for the first five to 10 balls of the innings I haven't picked up the balls as I would have liked."
