Restricted vs Prohibited Pets NZ (2026): Which Animals Are Legal?

Restricted vs Prohibited: What's the Actual Difference?

In New Zealand, "restricted" and "prohibited" mean different things for exotic pets, and the difference is vital for any prospective owner to understand. Simply put, a prohibited animal is one listed in Schedule 2 of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act 1996 as a "prohibited new organism": no approval can be issued to import, develop, field test or release it in New Zealand. These species are deemed too high a biosecurity risk or a threat to native species. Restricted is not a single legal list: in this guide it means an animal you may be able to keep, but that is limited in other ways, for example it cannot be imported as a pet, or its sale and breeding are banned nationally or in some regions. Being absent from the prohibited list does not by itself make an animal legal to import: a species that was not present in New Zealand before 29 July 1998 is a "new organism" and cannot be imported without an approval under the HSNO Act.

How MPI, EPA, and DOC Classify Exotic Pets in NZ

New Zealand's approach to exotic pets is governed by a robust framework involving several key government agencies, each with a specific role in protecting our unique environment from biosecurity threats.

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is the primary gatekeeper for animals entering New Zealand. They set and enforce import health standards (IHS), outlining the strict conditions an animal must meet to be allowed into the country. If there's no IHS for a particular species, it generally cannot be imported. MPI also manages post-border biosecurity, ensuring any legally imported animals don't pose a risk once they're here. Their focus is on preventing the introduction of pests, diseases, and invasive species.

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) plays a crucial role in classifying "new organisms" under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act. The EPA publishes the prohibited organisms list set out in Schedule 2 of the HSNO Act, which names species and groups (such as any snake) that cannot be imported or released in New Zealand due to their potential to cause harm to our environment, economy, or human health. If an animal is on this list, it is unequivocally prohibited.

The Department of Conservation (DOC) is responsible for protecting New Zealand's native flora and fauna. While they don't regulate most exotic pets, holding native lizards such as native geckos and skinks requires a Wildlife Act authorisation from DOC, and their work on conservation means they are consulted on biosecurity risks. DOC also manages the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in New Zealand, which can impact the import and export of certain exotic species, even if they aren't explicitly prohibited by MPI or EPA. Their involvement ensures that any exotic pet considerations align with broader conservation goals.

Together, these agencies create a multi-layered system designed to safeguard New Zealand's unique biodiversity.

Common Restricted Animals and What's Required

Many exotic species are already kept legally in New Zealand (MPI says about 1,800 pet species can legally be kept here, most of them low biosecurity risk), but most cannot be imported as pets, and some face sale or breeding bans nationally or in particular regions.

A prime example of a restricted pet is certain species of reptiles, such as the leopard gecko. While no reptiles can be legally imported into New Zealand for private ownership currently, exotic species already established in captivity here, such as the leopard gecko, can legally be owned. Buy only NZ captive-bred animals from an established NZ breeder or pet shop. Housing should be secure and escape-proof, preventing any possibility of the animal entering the wild. You'll also need to provide appropriate heating, lighting, and a specialised diet, which can be costly. Expect to pay for a quality enclosure, heating elements, and food, potentially running into hundreds of dollars for setup, plus ongoing costs.

Certain exotic birds also fall into this category. While many common pet birds like budgies and cockatiels are widely available, some less common species might have specific requirements. Birds are not among the pet species MPI allows to be imported, so any bird you buy should come from stock already in New Zealand. The general rule for pet birds in NZ is that if it's not a common domestic species, you need to check its legal status carefully. Keep birds in secure, escape-proof aviaries or cages: MPI notes that pet species such as the eastern rosella have already established wild populations in parts of New Zealand.

The crucial takeaway for restricted animals is that the rules differ by species and sometimes by region, and you, as the owner, are responsible for checking them. Always verify the specific requirements for the species you are interested in *before* making any commitments.

Prohibited, Banned and Commonly Misunderstood Animals

The animals below are often described as banned in New Zealand, but their legal status differs, primarily because of the biosecurity risks they pose to our unique environment and agricultural industries. Some are prohibited new organisms under Schedule 2 of the HSNO Act; others cannot be imported as pets, or cannot legally be sold or bred here; and some that people assume are banned (turtles, axolotls) can in fact be kept. Check each entry, and note that understanding *why* the rules exist helps clarify their importance.

Snakes (all species) and venomous reptiles: Every snake species, and any venomous reptile, is a prohibited new organism under Schedule 2 of the HSNO Act. New Zealand has no native land snakes, and introducing them could devastate native bird populations, which have no natural defences. Other exotic lizards cannot be imported as pets; only a few species already kept in New Zealand, such as the leopard gecko mentioned earlier and the bearded dragon, are available here.

Turtles and Tortoises: These are *not* banned nationally. Red-eared sliders, several other turtle species, and Greek spur-thighed and Hermann's tortoises are kept as pets in New Zealand, although new animals cannot be imported as pets. Rules vary by region: since 1 September 2022 you cannot breed, distribute or sell red-eared sliders in the Auckland region, though existing pets can still be kept there. Releasing a turtle into the wild is illegal under the Biosecurity Act and the Animal Welfare Act, because escaped turtles can cause considerable damage to freshwater ecosystems.

Ferrets: Despite being popular pets in many countries, ferrets cannot be bought in NZ. They are not on the HSNO Schedule 2 list (its mustelid entry specifically excludes ferrets), but they are an unwanted organism under the Biosecurity Act, and since 2002 the sale, distribution and breeding of ferrets as domestic pets has been banned in New Zealand. DOC records ferrets preying on native birds including North Island kiwi, and their presence in the wild is already a serious conservation issue.

Sugar Gliders: These small, marsupial mammals are illegal to own in New Zealand. While cute, they are considered a potential biosecurity risk. If they were to escape and establish wild populations, they could compete with native species for food and habitat, and potentially introduce diseases. For more details, see our guide on sugar glider NZ legal status and alternatives.

Monkeys and Primates: Primates are not on the HSNO Schedule 2 prohibited list, but they are not among the pet species MPI allows to be imported, so there is no legal way to bring a monkey into New Zealand as a pet.

Gerbils and Hamsters: Gerbils (*Meriones unguiculatus*) are a prohibited new organism under Schedule 2 of the HSNO Act. Hamsters are not on that list, but they are not among the pet species MPI allows to be imported, so there is no legal way to bring one into New Zealand as a pet. Other small pets are a different story: rats, mice, guinea pigs, rabbits (which are not rodents) and chinchillas are all kept legally in New Zealand. For more on legal small pets in NZ, check our guide.

Axolotls — a common point of confusion: Axolotls (*Ambystoma mexicanum*) are legally kept and sold as pets in New Zealand. There is an established captive population here, and they are widely available from NZ aquarium retailers. What you cannot do is *import new axolotls*: amphibians are not among the pet species MPI allows into the country — and, as with any pet, they must never be released into the wild, where they could spread disease to native amphibians. If you are considering one, see our axolotl care profile and our beginner-friendly reptiles and amphibians in NZ guide.

Invasive Fish Species: Some fish are prohibited in NZ due to their potential to become invasive if released into waterways, outcompeting native fish and disrupting ecosystems. Schedule 2 of the HSNO Act lists, for example, any member of the pike family (Esocidae), any stickleback, and any venomous fish.

The overarching reason for these prohibitions is New Zealand's unique island ecology. Our native species have evolved without many of the predators, diseases, and competitors found elsewhere. Introducing non-native species, even seemingly harmless ones, can have catastrophic and irreversible consequences. The rules are designed to protect this irreplaceable natural heritage.

How to Check Before Buying an Exotic Pet in NZ

Before you even consider bringing an exotic pet into your home in New Zealand, thorough research is absolutely essential. Buying an animal that is prohibited, or that cannot legally be sold, can lead to heartbreak, significant fines, and the animal being seized.

1. Start with the EPA Prohibited Organisms List: This is your first port of call. If the animal you're interested in is on the EPA prohibited organisms list, then it's a definite "no." This list is legally binding, but it is short: an animal that is not on it may still need approval as a "new organism", may not be importable as a pet, or may be banned from sale.

1. Check MPI Import Health Standards (IHS): For any animal not on the EPA's prohibited list, you need to determine if there's an MPI Import Health Standard for it. You can search the MPI import health standards database. If there's no IHS, it generally means the animal cannot be legally imported into New Zealand. In practice, besides cats and dogs, MPI only allows three pet species to be imported: rabbits and guinea pigs from Australia, and chinchillas from Great Britain.

1. Verify Local Council Bylaws: Some local councils have their own bylaws regarding certain animal species, even those not explicitly prohibited nationally, and regional pest management plans can ban breeding or sale: Auckland's, for example, bans breeding, distributing or selling red-eared slider turtles in the region. Always check with your local council's animal control department.

1. Consult Reputable Breeders/Importers (with caution): If you're looking at a species that *might* be legal, speak to established, reputable breeders or pet shops. They should be able to tell you where the animal was bred and whether any national or regional rules apply to it. Be wary of anyone who cannot, or who suggests "workarounds."

1. Ask About Origin: Because most exotic pets cannot be imported, any animal you buy should come from stock already in New Zealand. Ask the seller where and by whom the animal was bred, and be wary of anyone who cannot tell you.

Your due diligence is paramount. Don't rely on assumptions or anecdotal evidence. Always get official confirmation.

Where to Go for Official Guidance

When it comes to the legalities of exotic pets in New Zealand, relying on official government sources is critical. Misinformation can lead to serious consequences for both you and the animal.

• Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI): For all questions related to animal imports, biosecurity, and import health standards, MPI is the authoritative source. Their website has extensive information on general importing requirements and specific IHS documents. If you can't find the answer online, contact their biosecurity helpline.
• Environmental Protection Authority (EPA): The EPA's website explains the prohibited organisms list; the legal list itself is Schedule 2 of the HSNO Act. This is the first place to check if an animal is outright banned.
• Department of Conservation (DOC): While less involved in pet ownership, DOC can provide information on CITES-listed species and their conservation implications.
• Local Council Animal Control: Contact your city or district council for any local bylaws, and your regional council for its regional pest management plan, which can ban breeding or selling certain animals and, in some areas, keeping them.

Always cross-reference information and, if in doubt, contact the relevant agency directly. It's far better to ask questions upfront than to face legal issues later.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the rules around exotic pets in NZ is crucial for responsible pet ownership. Always prioritise legal and ethical choices to protect New Zealand's unique environment and ensure the welfare of any animal you bring into your home. Your diligence helps keep our country safe from biosecurity risks and ensures you avoid legal trouble.

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Reference sources

• MPI, Bringing pets to NZ other than cats and dogs, checked 2026-06-04: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/bring-send-to-nz/pets-travelling-to-nz/bringing-pets-to-nz-other-than-cats-and-dogs/
• MPI, Stopping pets becoming pests, checked 2026-06-04: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/biosecurity/biosecurity-and-your-pets/
• New Zealand Legislation, Biosecurity Act 1993, checked 2026-06-04: https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1993/95/en/latest/
• New Zealand Legislation, Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996, Schedule 2 Prohibited new organisms, checked 2026-09-28: https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1996/0030/latest/DLM386556.html
• DOC, Ferrets, checked 2026-09-28: https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/pests-and-threats/animal-pests-and-threats/ferrets/
• DOC, Red-eared slider turtles, checked 2026-09-28: https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/pests-and-threats/freshwater-pests/red-eared-slider-turtles/
• DOC, Holding lizards in captivity, checked 2026-09-28: https://www.doc.govt.nz/get-involved/apply-for-permits/interacting-with-wildlife/holding-lizards-in-captivity/
• Auckland Council Tiaki Tāmaki Makaurau, Red-eared slider turtle, checked 2026-09-28: https://www.tiakitamakimakaurau.nz/protect-and-restore-our-environment/pests-in-auckland/pest-search/trascr/
• New Zealand Herpetological Society, Exotic pets, checked 2026-09-28: https://www.reptiles.org.nz/herpetofauna/exotic-pets
• SPCA New Zealand, Caring for rats, checked 2026-09-28: https://www.spca.nz/advice-and-welfare/article/caring-for-rats