Having claimed two wins from two matches in South Africa to extend its winning streak to seven, the team has arrived in Perth for its match against the Force on Saturday.
The Highlanders have lost six of their 10 games against the Force and New Zealand teams have often stumbled in the stopover match on the way home.
But it is one game the team cannot afford to drop.
Assistant coach Mark Hammett said the squad had travelled well and he was confident it would be up for the final game of its trip.
''We've done [the travel] for so long, I suppose we know the little hiccups that can happen along the way,'' he said.
''Three weeks away, sometimes the third week can be a tough one. Sort of with one foot on the plane.
''But we've done well so far.
''We're pretty stoked to get out of Africa with two wins and if we can get this one, we can set ourselves up well for the 'Tahs [Waratahs] the following week.''
The team had been boosted by the return of first five-eighth Lima Sopoaga, who has struggled with a hamstring injury since March 11.
He linked with the squad on Monday and was back into full training.
A decision had not been made on whether he would start.
Hammett said coming off the bench was likely, as Sopoaga had not had any game time in club rugby.
Marty Banks has filled the No10 jersey in Sopoaga's absence and was available for selection despite suffering a broken nose during Sunday morning's win over the Bulls.
Hooker Guy Millar had also joined the side as a replacement for Greg Pleasants-Tate.
Pleasants-Tate picked up a neck injury in the contact that resulted in a red card for Bulls' lock RG Snyman.
The Force, returning from a trip of its own, enters the game following a 16-6 win over the Jaguares in Buenos Aires.
Hammett expected the hosts to be at their best and thought, in the win, they showed they could be a dangerous side.
''It was probably the first time we've seen them drive from a lineout perspective and they shut the Jaguares out. They shut down their strength and that was the winning of the game.
''But we're under no illusions here. They're probably one of the best defensive teams in the competition.
''A good defence that turns over ball can be very dangerous and we're well aware of that.''
With four games remaining, the match was crucial for the Highlanders as they look to head off the Blues, who trail them by five points, for a playoff spot.
Meanwhile, it was hoped fullback and co-captain Ben Smith and loose forward Luke Whitelock would be available for the side's match against the Waratahs in Dunedin on May 27.