This species is diagnosed on the basis of several morphological characteristics, and its specific status is supported by mitochondrial sequence data (ND2, ND4).

Predation by a flightless rail, the weka, which is native to New Zealand, but was introduced to the Open Bay Islands, is a major conservation concern.

[5] The colour of the back can be many shades of brown, though usually olive with dark-brown to black speckling on top.

The sides are dark brown, with black and white speckling being bordered by grey markings.

[5] As of 2012 the Department of Conservation (DOC) classified the Oligosoma taumakae as Nationally Endangered under the New Zealand Threat Classification System.