They beat the Blues 21-19, after slipping to a 14-5 loss to the Chiefs.
The Highlanders made a sizzling start against the Blues, leading 14-0 after tries to No 8 Marino Mikaele-Tu’u and winger Vereniki Tikoisolomone, both converted by Marty Banks.
The Blues then levelled the scores at 14-14 with two converted tries of their own.
Highlanders halfback Folau Fakatava burrowed over for a converted try, and while Taine Plumtree scored a late try for the Blues, the conversion attempt missed.
A highlight for the Highlanders was the scrum, where props Ethan de Groot and Jermaine Ainsley dominated their opponents.
Earlier, the Highlanders made a scratchy start against the Chiefs, who jumped to a 14-0 lead.
Midfield back Scott Gregory scored a nice try for the Highlanders in the final minute.
It was just reward for Gregory, who had looked the pick of a Highlanders team that committed plenty of errors.
In the middle game, the Chiefs beat the Blues 17-7.
The game of three halves was hastily arranged following the outbreak of Omicron in the Moana Pasifika camp.
The Hurricanes are playing the Crusaders in a full preseason game in Queenstown at 5pm.
