The team lost 25-22 in the 83rd minute to a dropped goal by Crusaders replacement first five-eighth Mitch Hunt in Christchurch.
It was a piece of magic he probably could not reproduce in another 20 attempts.
It was a tough game to lose for the Highlanders but showed the side is peaking nicely with the match against the British and Irish Lions looming in eight days.
Following that is a month-long break before the final game of the regular season against the Reds on July 14.
After that are the playoffs and the Highlanders loom as a dangerous wildcard side no team would want to meet.
The side's attack is looking lively and there was plenty of steel in defence against a Crusaders outfit which has swamped most sides it has played in the past two months.
Highlanders coach Tony Brown was far from down after the loss.
``I thought it was a cracking game and a hell of a drop goal to break the deadlock,'' Brown said.
``That is footy. I think we came here and put in a massive effort particularly in that second half. We created a lot of opportunities and they sort of did not know where to go and took off a couple of their key players.
``I felt our defence and putting them under pressure was outstanding in that second half. Even though we did not get the result we put in a hell of an effort and I'm very proud of the boys.''
Brown said the side needed to be more composed in the final 10 minutes and it gave away a couple of dumb penalties.
``Our forwards were excellent and won the collision, more so in the second half.''
The team will meet again tomorrow to begin its preparation for the Lions match at Forsyth Barr Stadium on June 13.
Despite the loss ending the Highlanders' nine-match winning run, Brown said they were in a good place.
``We have created great momentum after a pretty tough start to the year. It was always going to be a really good measure of the team and where we're at. Now we can have a break, recharge and come back in July and have another crack at this title.
``I think every team who wants to win the championship will have to come back here [Christchurch] to beat the Crusaders to win the title.''
Brown headed to Japan yesterday to help coach the Japanese national team. Scott McLeod will lead the coaching team against the Lions.
In other games, the Chiefs beat the Waratahs 46-31 in Hamilton, the Hurricanes downed the Force 34-12 and the Brumbies trounced the Rebels 32-3.