Speedster Will Jordan scored two late tries, as the All Blacks thumped Argentina 38-0 and virtually sealed the Tri Nations competition.
A comprehensive performance saw New Zealand run in five unanswered tries, securing a valuable bonus point, and extending their already comfortable points-difference advantage over the Pumas and Australia.
The All Blacks needed a convincing display to make amends for their shock loss to the South Americans two weeks ago and avoid three straight losses for the first time since 1998.
They dominated throughout, but at halftime, they still only led by 10 points and needed to score next to progress their trophy aspirations.
Hooker Dane Coles opened the scoring after 13 minutes, lurking on the right wing to cross in the corner, after Caleb Clarke busted the Pumas defence in midfield.
The only other score before the break was a Richie Mo'unga penalty and at 10-0, the All Blacks still had plenty to do to put their opponents opponents away.
No.8 Ardie Savea finally broke the game open 12 minutes into the second half, when lock Scott Barrett won an attacking lineout and Savea overpowered the defence off the back of the set-piece.
The All Blacks fowards were all over their counterparts in the scrums and contested lineouts to frustrate Argentinian attacking opportunities.
Confounded by the Pumas rushing defence two weeks ago, they also varied their own attacking options, kicking behind the advancing line or acrossfield to negate the midfield stalemate.
Moments after replacing Clarke on the wing, Jordan took full toll on a breakdown in an Argentinian back movement, pouncing on a loose ball and sprinting away for his first All Blacks try in his second appearance.
Two minutes later, he had another, anticipating another Pumas pass and intercepting for another clear run to the line.
By that stage, New Zealand had clinched a much-needed bonus point, but added to their comfort after the final siren, when another Argentina raid broke down and a counterattack saw lock Patrick Tuipulotu lope away at the other end of the field.
The result puts the All Blacks in an almost unbeaten position in the Tri Nations standings, despite their two-win, two-loss record.
Argentina face Australia next week, but to capture the silverware, the Pumas must win by 93 points and the Wallabies by 101. Neither seems likely.
NZ 38 (Jordan 2, Coles, Tuipulotu & Savea tries; Mo'unga 5 conversions & penalty) Argentina 0
