PetMall Encyclopedia
Browse published reptiles breed profiles curated by the PetMall editorial desk.
16 breeds available
The Ackie Monitor is not legally keepable in New Zealand; this page details the legal framework and approved alternative reptile species.
The African Fat-tailed Gecko is a popular beginner reptile overseas, but it is prohibited in New Zealand: there is no legal captive population, reptile imports for the pet trade are not permitted, and under the HSNO Act 1996 it counts as a "new organism" that cannot lawfully be kept. This page…
Australian Water Dragons are large, active semi-arboreal lizards native to Australia. They need large vertical climbing enclosures, high humidity, and a swimming pool, and are the only water dragon legal in NZ.
Axolotls are neotenic, fully aquatic salamanders native to Mexico. Famous for their branch-like external gills and smiling expressions, they are popular, low-maintenance aquarium pets in NZ.
Bearded dragons are one of the small number of non-native lizards legally kept in New Zealand. They are daytime-active and genuinely handleable, but they are also the most equipment-hungry of the common pet lizards: an adult needs roughly a 120x60x60cm vivarium, a 38-42°C basking spot and…
Blue-tongued Skink is a medium reptile originating from Australia. This animal has verified NZ restriction or pest context; check MPI, DOC, EPA, and local council rules before keeping, moving, breeding, selling, or sourcing one. Typical lifespan is 15-20 years.
The Chinese Water Dragon is not legally keepable in New Zealand; this page details the regulations and approved alternative reptile species. The similarly named Australian Water Dragon is a different species that is legally kept in New Zealand — we cover it in a separate profile.
Crested geckos are hugely popular overseas, but they are not part of New Zealand's pet trade. Reptiles cannot be imported as pets, and there is no established NZ crested gecko population — they are absent from the New Zealand Herpetological Society's list of exotic reptiles kept here, and no NZ…
The Fire-bellied Toad is not legally keepable in New Zealand; this page details the legal framework and approved alternative reptile species.
The Green Iguana is not legally keepable in New Zealand due to biosecurity laws; this page explains the regulations and legal reptile alternatives.
Hermann's Tortoises are small, docile land tortoises native to southern Europe. Possessing beautiful shells and gentle temperaments, they make great outdoor pets in warmer parts of NZ, but require a 50+ year commitment.
Leopard geckos are one of the small number of non-native lizards legally kept in New Zealand, and the usual first reptile for Kiwi keepers. They are nocturnal and ground-dwelling, so they need a warm floor gradient rather than a tall climbing setup, and they eat live insects every 2-3 days as…
Red-eared Slider Turtles are semi-aquatic reptiles recognizable by the red stripe behind their eyes. They are highly active swimmers that need a large water tank, a dry basking dock, and intense UVB lighting.
The Tokay Gecko is not legally keepable in New Zealand due to biosecurity laws; this page details the regulations and legal reptile alternatives.
The Uromastyx is not legally keepable in New Zealand due to biosecurity laws; this page details the regulations and legal reptile alternatives.
The Veiled Chameleon is not legally keepable in New Zealand due to biosecurity laws; this page details the restrictions and legal reptile alternatives.