The edges of the leaves have slightly indistinct, crenate margins, and their stalks are longer than the blade itself.

[2] The flowers of Viola cunninghamii emerge singularly on elongated stalks that surpass the length of the leaves.

The fruit of this herb takes the form of a capsule that splits open into three valves when matured.

[2] Viola cunninghamii possesses a widespread Oceanic distribution, where it can be found in New Zealand, Tasmania and the Chatham Islands.

[4] The species inhabits elevated mountain habitats such as alpine herbfields, grasslands, and grassy heaths.