It was hot, the opposition was tough and willing, and the southern franchise came out on the right end of the scoreline.
Leading 28-12 at half-time, the Highlanders felt the effects of the 32degC temperatures in the later stages in a match which was played in 20 minute quarters.
The sides scored one try each in the last 40 minutes, as both sides defended stoutly and chose wrong options when chances arrived.
Highlanders coach Glenn Moore said the side had started well in the first half of the game but had wilted somewhat as the effects of the heat took its toll on the team.
"In the last 15 to 20 minutes we let them get their flamboyance going and they started getting off-loads away and really tested us," he said.
"But that was partly to do with the heat.
It was very hot and very humid and that was what we wanted."
The side is off to South Africa later this month for three weeks in the early rounds of the Super 14.
The Highlanders lost their structure at times in the later stages, as the Fijians got more ball and moved it all over the park.
Moore was impressed with the Highlanders' set piece and said it was good for the side to be put under pressure by the Fijians in the later stages of the match.
"It was another step forward and we just need to keep building towards the start of the season.
It was certainly a test for us and our mental character to be put under pressure in these tough conditions."
Moore said he was impressed with loose forward John Hardie, who played the majority of the match on the blindside flank, while winger Fetu'u Vainikolo continued his strong start to the season, with another impressive showing.
No major injuries came out of the game.
The Highlanders have no other pre-season warm-up games planned, although Moore said they may run through a few game situation scenarios at training.
The Fijian side was first to score when front rower Sireli Ledua charged down a Mathew Berquist clearing kick.
But the Highlanders came back and scored tries through No 8 Steven Setephano and halfback Scott Cowan.
Midfield back Jayden Hayward then scored early in the second period for the Highlanders, but loose forward Mosese Vasuitaga came back to score for the home team.
Highlanders prop and captain for the day Jamie Mackintosh then scored for the Highlanders near half-time, with Berquist adding his fourth straight conversion.
Winger James Paterson scored the try for the Highlanders in the second period.
Substitute halfback Niko Matawalu touched down for the home team with 10 minutes left to complete the scoring.
