Peralta's first half goals took the wind out of New Zealand's sails, who trailed 1-5 after the first leg at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City last Thursday.
While the first leg illustrated Mexico's ability to attack from space, the second illustrated their composure to deal with a bruised New Zealand and counter superbly. While they held off a late charge, it was the visitors' ability to catch an attacking New Zealand off guard with their pace and precision in front of goal.
New Zealand did have a half to shine as the Wellington crowd chanted their hearts out thanks to a converted penalty from Chris James, the hosts' sole goalscorer at the Estadio Azteca, and a goal to New Zealand's 2009 playoff hero - Rory Fallon.
The result saw Mexico advance with an aggregate score of 9-3 as they sealed a spot at their 15th World Cup in emphatic fashion despite the hosts' late charge.
For New Zealand, the second half provided an insight into New Zealand's newest crop of talent and their abilities against a side ranked 55 spots above them in the world rankings.
Make no mistake, the gulf in class was evident. But for 45 minutes they pushed one of world football's most passionate nations with two goals in three minutes. It's the third time in four years that New Zealand had scored more than one goal in an international against non-OFC nations.
That alone will please outgoing New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert, who leaves following a six-year tenure at the helm of the national side.
In his final match as New Zealand coach, Ricki Herbert threw young chargers Storm Roux and Bill Tuiloma into the spotlight in front of over 37,000 fans at Westpac Stadium.
The duo highlighted that the world's 79th-best side could more than challenge their opponents in a tie that was more of a formality than an 'intercontinental playoff' would suggest.
While there was due praise for the performance of the young duo and fellow debutant Louis Fenton, the same couldn't be said for striker Jeremy Brockie. The Wellington Phoenix striker rued an opportunity to register his first goal in the white strip when his penalty was met with relative comfort by goalkeeper Moises Munoz.
New Zealand started well and controlled play well for the opening 13 minutes before Peralta gave Mexico a vital away goal that virtually condemned the match to exhibition status.
Peralta scored his fourth of the playoff series 14 minutes later with a well composed tap-in before scoring the third with a clinical strike 12 minutes before half-time.
New Zealand had one half to send Herbert out in style, and they did just that. With nothing to lose but respect, the hosts powered forward and were rewarded when they were awarded a penalty in the 77th minute.
James scored his second of the series before Fallon secured his second goal at Westpac Stadium for the national side.
The volume slightly cooled off when Carlos Pena scored Mexico's fourth, but the pride was visible for all to see at Westpac Stadium. It wasn't a win, not a draw either - but the signs of a positive future were loud and clear.
New Zealand: 2
James 77' (pen), Fallon 79'
Mexico: 4
Peralta 13', 27', 32', Pena 87'