Austroboletus novae-zelandiae is a distinctive New Zealand bolete recognised by its dry, finely tomentose cap, whitish unchanging pores, and especially its strongly pitted (lacunar) stipe and deeply pitted spores.

Cap: 30-70 mm diam., convex to plano-convex. Surface dry, finely tomentose to velvety, sometimes slightly cracked in age. Colour pale brown, tan, or ochraceous, often paler toward the margin. Margin even, not striate.
Pores & Tubes: Pores white, small, round to angular, not bruising. Tubes white, 5-10 mm long, adnate to slightly depressed around the stipe. Hymenophore unchanging when handled.
Stipe: 40-90 mm x 8-20 mm, cylindrical or slightly clavate. Surface whitish to pale brown, covered in deep pits (lacunae) - a hallmark of the species. Pitting often more pronounced in the upper half. No ring or veil remnants.
Flesh: White, firm, does not change colour when cut or bruised. Taste and odour not distinctive.