The scores were level 17-17 at halftime and 27-27 after 80 minutes, both teams each scoring three tries.
The match then went to 10 minutes of extra time, with the win going to the first team to score.
That was the Crusaders, second five-eighth David Havili capitalising on a charge-down to sink a dropped goal after barely a minute.
Last night's game between the Chiefs and Highlanders in Dunedin also went to golden point, Damain McKenzie kicking the match-winning penalty for the visitors.