The Black Caps won the toss and opted to bat first, with opener Martin Guptill the standout performer with 81 from 119 deliveries as they reached 285-6 from their 50 overs.
The Windies' chase started horribly, as they were 2-2, only to recover to be 134-5 through 33.4 overs before rain saw the match decided by the Duckworth/Lewis method with the hosts well in front.
Martin Guptill of New Zealand plays a shot through the offside. Photo by Martin Hunter/Getty Images
Guptill was supported by the likes of Jesse Ryder (47), Kane Williamson (47) and Ross Taylor (49), although none of the trio could reach the half-century milestone.
Some late lusty hitting from Brendon McCullum (14 off nine), Corey Anderson (17 off 13) and Nathan McCullum (nine off four) helped boost NZ's total.
Dwayne Bravo was the best of the bowlers for the tourists, picking up 2-35 off seven overs.
Jesse Ryder of New Zeand plays a pullshot. Photo by Martin Hunter/Getty Images
The Windies lost both openers inside four overs, as Chadwick Walton was ran out on the fourth ball of the inning before Johnson Charles made a 14-ball duck.
Lendl Simmons (43) and Bravo (43 not out) offered the most resistance for the Windies, but it was in vain as rain washed away their winning hopes.
The Kiwis can seal the series win in the fifth ODI in Hamilton, while the Windies will hope to earn a 2-2 draw with a victory in the match on Wednesday.
Luke Ronchi of New Zealand runs out Chadwick Walton of the West Indies. Photo by Martin Hunter/Getty Images