The home side coming away with a 28-27 win in front of close to 20,000 fans under the roof in Dunedin.
Damian McKenzie kicked a drop goal with three minutes left on the clock to give his side a one point lead, before Bryn Gatland reciprocated to hand his side victory and break the heart of his Dad, Warren, and the Chiefs.
Gatland was a late replacement on the bench for the Highlanders, after pivot Josh Ioane was ruled out earlier today with a groin injury.
The Highlanders had two yellow cards in the encounter, with Vilimoni Koroi and Jona Nareki both spending time in the bin.
Scorers
Highlanders: Ash Dixon, Sio Tomkinson, Marino Mikaele-Tu’u tries; Mitch Hunt 2 pens, 2 cons; Bryn Gatland drop goal
Chiefs: Sean Wainui, Anton Lienert-Brown tries; Damian McKenzie 4 pens, 1 con, 1 drop goal