The NSW Waratahs miserable overseas run has continued with a 41-29 Super Rugby loss to the Hurricanes in Wellington on Saturday.

The Waratahs only trailed 19-16 after a see-sawing first half, but the Hurricanes produced a decisive third-quarter surge.

Two converted tries in six minutes just before the hour tilted the game in the Hurricanes favour as they bolted to a 38-19 advantage.

Unconverted tries to centre Adam Ashley-Cooper and fullback Israel Folau got the Tahs back to within 12 points in the final six minutes.

They almost salvaged two bonus points at the death, but flanker Michael Hooper was dragged into touch just short of the line.

The Hurricanes scored four tries to three, with blockbusting All Blacks winger Julian Savea crossing twice.

It was an 11th straight overseas loss for NSW, their sixth in New Zealand.

The loss left the Waratahs outside the top six heading into their second and final bye next week.

NSW produced some sparkling passages and held their own in the set-pieces but made some costly turnovers and were outpointed at the breakdown.

“We talked about not giving them easy possession and we gave them too much ball in our half and it hurt us,” Waratahs captain and flanker Dave Dennis said.

“They are a good side the Hurricanes and scored two or three tries quickly in the second half and it was hard to come back.”

NSW halfback Brendan McKibbin posted first points with a penalty, that was cancelled out by Hurricanes five-eighth Beauden Barrett, who kicked 21 points.

Savea scored his first try when he sprinted 40 metres after the ball was swung out left after it was spilt by winger Drew Mitchell.

Barrett converted, but a McKibbin penalty got NSW back to within four points.

Another Barrett penalty expanded the Hurricanes lead to seven, but that was wiped out following a sensational solo effort from Waratahs five-eighth Bernard Foley.

Foley bamboozled three defenders with some stunning footwork in a 40-metre dash to the line and McKibbin converted to make it 13-13.