Coach Clark Laidlaw said another loss would have seen them digging a points table hole with a bye coming up for the side this weekend, but the way the Hurricanes finished the game was pleasing.
"Somebody said we made 110 tackles in the last 10 minutes, but I'm not sure that is true. Having the ability to hang in there and create a way to win is the most pleasing thing.
"The four points could be critical as we get to the back end of the season."
The defiance shown as the Highlanders probed time after time for an opening made him proud.
"When you see a team defend like that and not give away penalties, it's usually a sign of guys not taking shortcuts."
They had improved after their loss to the Blues, and the Highlanders scored from an intercept and a charged down kick.
"When you're scratching around for a real performance, those sorts of things sometimes make you think it's not going to be your night. But the sort of composure we showed, the conviction to stick at it and they played with real care in the last 10 minutes."
Laidlaw said he was proud of skipper and flanker Du'Plessis Kirifi, who secured a key turnover in the hectic final stages.
"He's playing how we expect him to play as the Hurricanes captain. I'm not in the All Blacks selectors notebooks, but he just needs to keep playing like that and show them what it means to lead this team. He responds well to responsibility."
Kirifi said he was lucky to be surrounded by coaches and players who challenge him to be better and hold him accountable.
"There are four of us leading the team, and, for each of us, that responsibility is bringing out the best in us, which has been done for the last few seasons.
"The challenge that we face as a team is to always be better and win games and is one we're enjoying and embracing."
Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph said they hadn't played their best rugby in the first half, but the fact that stayed with the Hurricanes was a good sign.
"It was gritty and hearty but when it came down to the moment to win the game we needed to be a little more clinical."
Joseph said their lack of All Blacks, especially backs, meant they are not a team that is going to be able to put a lot of points on opponents. But their ability to keep playing like they did against the Hurricanes had held them in good stead so far.
"We had two opportunities to win that game."
The Hurricanes had a lot of tackling to do in the last 10 minutes, but for the Highlanders to hold the ball that long, they just needed their creative players to execute more.
Wing Jona Nareki would benefit from the game, but he suffered another injury to his ankle during the game and will have more work to do on it.
Caleb Tangitau had taken more opportunities in the game.
Joseph said he was fitter than ever.
"You see him being able to identify the right spaces and opportunities and then get himself into a position to use his skills. That's the big thing for him."