The Highlanders have run in four late tries to seal a 48-18 over the spirited Southern Kings in their Super Rugby match in Port Elizabeth.
Leading by just two points with 15 minutes to play, Dan Pryor, Jack Wilson, Patrick Osborne and Aki Seuli scored in the final quarter of the game.
Stand-in Highlanders captain Ash Dixon said the Kings deserve a lot of praise.
Matt Faddes scored a hat-trick for the Highlanders, who are fourth in the New Zealand conference behind the Hurricanes.
The Canes have effectively ended the Blues playoff hopes with a 37-27 win.
