Upper side forewing coloration and pattern dull whitish to whitish grey with dark brown to brown-ish ochreous wavy transverse lines.

[4][5] This species is found only in the South Island and has been observed in the following regions: Nelson, Buller, North Canterbury, Mid Canterbury, Mackenzie, Otago Lakes, Fiordland and Southland.

[2] In the Otago Lakes region it is regarded as being widespread but local in occurrence.

[6] Species within the genus Helastia are very similar in appearance and as such can be difficult to identify.

[6] It lives in Nothofagus forests at altitudes ranging from montane to sub-alpine.