[5] It has been observed living in clumps of the Pacific oyster Magallana gigas, most likely to avoid being smothered by increasing mud levels.

It moves on its one large foot, and its symmetrical body is surrounded by a girdle of muscular tissue and protected by partially embedded dorsal shell plates.

Unlike other mollusks, the plates consist of eight articulating aragonite valves, which allow for chitons to cling to irregular surfaces and roll into balls when dislodged or endangered.

[9] Like other chitons, A. zelandica has no eyes, instead relying on simple sensory structures in the girdle and photosensory organs known as aesthetes in the shell.

[10] Inside the shell, the tegmentum layer is permeated by vertical canals, which allow light to reach sensory megalopores and micropores.

[12] Unique to chitons, one pair of cusps in each row is coated with magnetite, reinforcing the teeth to be stronger than stainless steel.