The big winger split the defence 25m out with five minutes left, and then powered to the line to give the Hurricanes a 26-20 win in match which as the score indicated could have gone either way.
Neither side dominated but the match appeared to turn early in the second half with the Highlanders on the wrong end of some questionable decisions.
Phil Burleigh was pushed out in the corner by a head high tackle, but after no try was awarded, the Highlanders had to be content with a penalty for the head high tackle.
The Hurricanes then swept down field from the kick-off and flanker Fafili Levave scored a simple try.
But Hurricanes lock Jason Eaton was clearly in touch in the build-up in the try.
That was the way the cards seemed to fall for the Highlanders as they just could not find a way to win.
The Hurricanes did little on attack but scrambled very well in defence and the Highlanders were not accurate enough on attack.
The odd pass went the wrong way and the set piece weakened as the match went on.
The Hurricanes backed its defence and first five-eighth Beauden Barrett kicked well.
The Highlanders scored two tries in the first 20 minutes after looking a tad sleepy in the opening minutes
After Beauden Barrett had knocked over a penalty for the visitors, Hurricanes first five-eighth Chris Noakes found a gap in the Hurricanes defence and sliced through to score with 13 minutes gone.
Just over five minutes later, Adam Thomson scored after the Highlanders won a lineout near the tryline and a nice pop ball from Aaron Smith put the openside flanker over.
But the Hurricanes were not going away and Barrett added two penatlties to keep them in touch as the Highlanders went into the break 14-9 ahead.
Best for the Highlanders were No 8 Nasi Manu, flanker Adam Thomson and centre Tamati Ellison.
Hurricanes No 8 Victor Vito was all energy, Conrad Smith was class throughout while prop Reg Goodes looked good in his Super 15 starting debut.
Hurricanes 26 (Julian Savea, Fafili Levave tries, Beauden Barrett 4 pen, 2 con) Highlanders 20 (Chris Noakes, Adam Thomson tries, Noakes 2 con, pen; Mike Delany pen)
Halftime: 14-9
