Highlanders fullback Ben Smith looks to get a pass away against the Crusaders. Photo Getty Images
The visitors trailed early but a purple patch either side of halftime sealed the win.
Boom winger Waisake Naholo helped himself to two tries, while Ben Smith scored the other try.
The Crusaders dominated possession and territory but made too many sloppy errors to get a win.
The Highlanders will return to Dunedin to take on the Blues next Saturday night.
Highlanders 25 (Waisake Naholo 2, Ben Smith tries; Lime Sopoaga 2 con, 2 pen) Crusaders 20 (Jordan Taufua, Matt Todd tries, Colin Slade 2 pen, con; Israel Dagg con). Halftime: 14-13 Crusaders.
