It has been a huge job to get there, and their place has been thoroughly deserved.
But when you get to the upper echelon of finals action, the standard goes up several notches. It is caviar and Champagne rather than crisps and fizzy.
To stand a chance against the Sharks in Durban tomorrow morning (NZ time), the Highlanders will have to up their intensity, increase their speed of thought and, most importantly, cut out those mistakes which have plagued them in the past two weeks.
Do all those things and they will have a starter's chance.
Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph said the side has had a taste of what to expect against the Sharks over the past three weeks.
''We came back from the June break and had three games to play to make the playoffs and they were all going to be tough games. We were playing against the two best teams in the competition and also the defending champion,'' he said.
''So we knew we were in for some tough games and this week is no different. But I think we deserve to be here. We have played well to get here.
''When you come over to South Africa you are a tight group. It is just you and the team, really, and that can be quite nice. The attitude of the team here can't be faulted and that gives me some confidence.''
The Highlanders knew where they had to do some homework this week after a poor set piece in the last couple of games. Their lineout has been inaccurate and the scrum wonky.
The side has been working hard on the training paddock to fix the problems and has also undergone a couple of personnel changes.
Hooker Ged Robinson will start in place of Liam Coltman, while Jarrad Hoeata comes back into the team with Tom Franklin moving back to the bench.
Joseph said Coltman had a different role this week, while Robinson's experience would be vital against a tough and determined Sharks pack.
''He has played 60-odd games of Super rugby and is a guy who has played well when he has come on with 20 to 30 minutes left to play. But we haven't been able to start games very well and get our game going. Hopefully, Ged will help us with that,'' he said.
Hoeata had been suffering from a sore back but now his body was right, he was itching to get back on the field.
Hoeata is on the last lap of his Highlanders career - he will join Cardiff after this season finishes - and Joseph said he had plenty to prove against the Sharks.
''In the last two to three weeks his body has come right and he's been working hard off the field to get his game right. Up front, we have not performed that well, and the experience he brings to a big game like this will be invaluable.''
Hoeata adds some steel to the pack but he may be rusty and needs to maintain his discipline throughout the 80 minutes.
The Sharks will be baying for blood and the Highlanders need to stay composed and stick to their patterns in the match.
First of all, they must avoid a poor start, which has been their undoing in recent weeks.
The set piece must be 100% better and any chances that come along will have to be taken.
Expect plenty of kicking from the Sharks and a strong chase. For the Highlanders to have any chance, the side must be calm under the high ball and defend with strength.
The forecast for Durban is for fine and clear weather for the game.
