Hericium novae‑zealandiae is a white, soft, toothed fungus forming branched, pendant clusters of spines on dead hardwoods. It resembles a small, delicate version of H. coralloides, with shorter, denser spines and a more compact, tufted growth form. Fresh fruitbodies are pure white, becoming cream to pale buff with age.

Form: Branched, coral-like masses with hanging spines.
Size: Typically 40-120 mm across, occasionally larger.
Colour: White when fresh; ageing to cream or pale ochre.
Spines: 5-15 mm long, soft, pendant, densely arranged on branch tips.
Texture: Soft, fleshy, easily bruised; dries to a brittle mass.