The chitonCallochiton kapitiensisMestayer, 1926 is redescribed, including characters not recorded by Mestayer. The radula is described and illustrated for the first time. The distribution is recorded and a synonymy provided. Records ofCallochiton puniceusGould, 1846 from New Zealand which have led to its inclusion in the New Zealand chiton fauna refer to specimens ofCallochiton kapitiensisMestayer. Characters separating the 2 species are presented. Van Belle (1983) considered the subgenusOcellochitonAshby, 1939 to be of genus rank; if his criteria are followed, Mestayer's species should belong here. The significance of this and the status ofOcellochitonare discussed.OcellochitonAshby, 1939 is regarded as a synonym ofCallochitonGray, 1847.