Olearia avicenniifolia is an endemic, spreading shrub/small tree found on the exposed, windswept coastline of Stewart Island and southern parts of the South Island. The tree has thin papery bark. It grows to about > 6m tall and can have a spread of > 3m.

It has leathery, grey/green, lance-shaped leaves that are downy white on the undersides. During November to February sweet-scented flowers are carried in clusters of 3-10 and are about 5cm wide, with white rays and purple central disks.