Staring at a fourth successive defeat when trailing 15-10 at halftime, the Chiefs dominated for long periods after the break, scoring two of their three tries to maintain playoff hopes which had slumped after winning their first three games of the season.
However, the visitors came close to causing an upset and could well have snatched victory if reserve flanker Tim Boys had held a high pass from reserve first five-eighth Matt Berquist with the tryline open five minutes from the end.
Nobody could have argued if the Highlanders had snatched victory in a close, error-ridden match at Bay Park, although the Chiefs gained an edge through the slick work of inside backs Mike Delany and Stephen Donald and a maintained decent edge in possession throughout.
However, last year's beaten finalists were well and truly eclipsed at scrum time while their lineout work also left room for improvement.
Highlanders flanker Adam Thomson was at the helm of a resolute defensive performance which was let down by some poor option-taking and handling in the backs.
Victory extends the Chiefs' winning run against the southerners to seven, dating back to 2003.
Missing several key players with injury, the Chiefs took time to shake rust out of their game and conceded an early dropped goal to Highlanders first five-eighth Robbie Robinson and tries to lock Hayden Triggs and winger Fetu'u Vainikolo. Vainikolo nearly scored a brilliant solo try in the opening minutes but he lost the ball over the line after a 70m burst.
It took a fine try to second five-eighth Donald to keep the hosts in the early hunt, busting through Robinson's attempted tackle and scorching 40m to score on the half hour.
The Chiefs' error count dropped after halftime and No 8 Sione Lauaki accepted a sweet Donald cut out pass to cross.
Donald's second penalty -- he kicked five shots from six in a 12-point haul -- was followed by a decisive, burrowing try to prop Sona Taumalolo with 20min remaining.
The Highlanders responded soon afterwards with fullback Israel Dagg's second penalty of the half to earn his side a bonus point but the match remained scoreless from there.
The result ends any realistic hopes the Highlanders may have harboured of reaching the semifinals, dropping to a 2-6 win-loss record.
They host the Western Force in Queenstown next week while the Chiefs are also at home, to the competition-leading Bulls.
