New Zealand black abalone Haliotis iris is an important aquatic species with high nutritional value and a bright shell. Since initial research was found to possibly effectively enrich aquaculture species in China, there has been much scientific interest in this species. Limited studies have been conducted on the tolerance and physiological response of H. iris to desiccation during long-distance transportation, and these studies are important for subsequent experiments and breeding. To investigate H. iris tolerance to desiccation at different temperatures, physiological experiments were carried out in New Zealand in November 2019. Variations in H. iris respiratory metabolism and immunity were monitored. The results showed that the desiccation tolerance of H. iris decreased with higher temperatures. The half-lethal time (LT₅₀) under 4, 10, and 15℃ were 48.80, 33.75, and 23.20 h, respectively. During the experiments, cytochrome oxidase (CCO) activity decreased from 11.45-12.70 U/mg at 0 h to 1.43-1.83 U/mg, the CCO activity of the experimental group with high temperatures decreased rapidly, and the minimum value of CCO activity in each experimental group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). However, fumarate reductase (FRD), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and nitric oxide (NO) activity increased in the beginning and then decreased. Catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) only showed synergy in the 4℃ experimental group, and SOD of the other two experimental groups were not activated. Malondialdehyde (MDA) content increased from 2.71-3.01 μmol/mg at 0 h to 8.62-9.10 μmol/mg, the MDA content of the experimental group with high temperatures reached the maximum value early, and the content was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). The results implied that H. iris could tolerate desiccation by maintaining aerobic respiration and glycolysis to some extent. Thereafter, the metabolic system was disordered, and a large amount of lactic acid was accumulated. Desiccation also lead to the disturbances of immune-related functions, which affected H. iris survival under other combined stresses. This study explored the physiological response of H. iris under conditions of desiccation, and the results provided a basis for further research. Methods to maintain the physiological state of H. iris during long-distance transportation should be investigated in the future.