The phylogenetic relationship of species within the Hypopterygium ‘rotulatum’ (Hedw.) Brid. s.l. complex is analysed by sequencing the trnL intron of cp DNA. Furthermore, the divergence in variable New Zealand H. ‘rotulatum’ samples is investigated along a latitudinal gradient. The presented data strongly support the delimitation of at least two distinct species within Hypopterygium ‘rotulatum’ s.l. in New Zealand, Australia and Tasmania, which correspond with the morphological species H. muelleri Hampe (possibly conspecific with H. debile Reichardt) and H. didictyon Müll. Hal., a species known from Chile. The distribution patterns of these species are discussed on a regional (New Zealand) and global scale; indicating an australasian distribution pattern of H. muelleri and a palaeoaustral pattern of H. didictyon.