Obverse: the coin features a third image of Queen Elizabeth II in the centre of the obverse. The image is surrounded by the minted inscription 'ELIZABETH II NEW ZEALAND'. The year '1993' is embossed below the image of the Queen.
Reverse: the coin features two Hooker sea lions in the centre of the reverse and an outline of a map of New Zealand below. The coin is embossed 'ENDANGERED WILDLIFE' at the top and bottom and the denomination '5 DOLLARS'.