Beauden Barrett kicked a penalty with time up on the clock to give the Hurricanes a 25-22 Super Rugby victory over the Highlanders in Wellington.

Winger Ben Lam had scored a 70th minute try that drew the home side level at 22-22 while centre Ngani Laumape continued his try-scoring spree, crossing twice in the first half to join the three he grabbed last week against the Brumbies.

Aaron Smith, Sio Tomkinson and Liam Coltman scored tries for the visitors, with Marty Banks slotting two conversions in swirling winds.

The Highlanders utilised their big pack to great effect, forcing the Hurricanes into a battle of attrition and not allowing the home side to get any momentum, and that physicality paid off on 11 minutes when they put pressure on the Hurricanes scrum and Smith was able to open the scoring after he forced a turnover from Ardie Savea.

Despite their territory and possession advantage the Hurricanes were frustrated by the Highlanders defence and it took until the 27th minute before Laumape scored his first try after TJ Perenara and lock Liam Mitchell created some space.

Josh Ioane gave the Highlanders an 8-7 lead with a 32nd minute penalty before a poor clearance by Ioane allowed Barrett to put an attacking kick into space which Laumape was able to run onto and give his side a 14-8 lead at the break.

In the second half, Barrett missed a long-range penalty before he gifted Tomkinson with an intercept in the 51st minute and the centre crossed to give his side a 15-14 lead.

Coltman extended the lead when the Highlanders were able to set up driving mauls, one of which ended in the hooker smashing over with 20 minutes remaining.

Lam managed to level the scores at 22-22 with nine minutes remaining and while Barret was unable to land the sideline conversion, he held his nerve after the fulltime hooter to slot the penalty that gave them a third victory from four starts.