In warm conditions at Carisbrook, both teams employed a total of 27 players in a four-quarter affair which was open and clearly lacking real intent.
The Highlanders trailed 19-5 after the first quarter but gradually overhauled the visitors, scoring 14 unanswered points in the final stanza.
Two of their five tries went to transplanted Canterbury winger James Paterson, while the others went to halfback Sean Romans, flanker John Hardie and prop Bronson Murray. First five-eighth Matt Berquist slotted three conversions.
Fullback Tim Nanai-Williams, winger Jason Hona, prop Hikairo Forbes and hooker Aled de Malmanche crossed for the Chiefs while first five-eighth Trent Renata landed two conversions.
There appeared to be no serious injuries although Highlanders No 8 Nasi Manu left the ground favouring his shoulder.
