Are Snakes Legal in NZ? Why New Zealand Has No Pet Snakes

No, snakes are completely illegal to own, import, breed, or keep as pets in New Zealand. Under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act 1996, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) classifies all snake species as prohibited organisms. New Zealand is one of the very few snake-free island nations in the world, and strict biosecurity laws prevent any introduction of snakes to protect native wildlife such as kiwi, tuatara, and native lizards.

The quick answer: Can you keep a pet snake in New Zealand?

If you live in or move to New Zealand, you will not find corn snakes, ball pythons, or any other snake species in pet stores, zoos, or private collections.

New Zealand has no native land snakes and enforces a total legal prohibition on importing or keeping exotic snakes. The law applies universally across all 16 regions of New Zealand—there are no special permits or licences available for private pet ownership of snakes.

Reptile enthusiasts in New Zealand can legally keep approved lizard species, such as bearded dragons, leopard geckos, and blue-tongue skinks, which are bred domestically within NZ.

Prohibited Organism status under the HSNO Act 1996

The legal basis for New Zealand's snake ban stems from the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act 1996, administered by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).

Schedule 2 of the HSNO Act lists New Zealand's prohibited new organisms. Item 1 of that schedule reads, in full: *"Any snake of any species whatever."* Item 2 adds any venomous reptile, amphibian, fish or invertebrate.

• All snake species banned: The wording leaves no gap — captive-bred, non-venomous and so-called "beginner" species such as corn snakes and ball pythons are covered exactly as pit vipers are. The EPA's own prohibited organisms list repeats it as "Snakes of any species".
• Illegal to import: It is a serious criminal offence to import live snakes or snake eggs into New Zealand.
• Illegal to possess or release: Holding, breeding, transporting, or releasing a snake within New Zealand territory carries heavy legal penalties, including fines and imprisonment under biosecurity legislation.

Border officers at New Zealand airports and sea ports use X-ray scanning and trained biosecurity detector dogs to intercept illegal wildlife smuggling attempts.

Why is New Zealand a snake-free country?

New Zealand's geological isolation separated its landmass from ancient supercontinents before land snakes evolved. As a result, New Zealand's fauna developed over millions of years without snake predators.

Protecting this unique snake-free ecosystem is a vital biosecurity priority for several reasons:

1. Threat to flightless native birds: New Zealand is home to iconic flightless birds, including the kiwi, kakapo, and takahe. Introduced snakes would devastatingly target ground nests, eggs, and adult birds. 2. Threat to native reptiles: Unique endemic reptiles like the tuatara (*Sphenodon punctatus*), forest geckos, and skinks have no natural evolutionary defences against snake predation. 3. Agricultural and public safety risks: Venomous snake species would pose severe public health risks to humans, farm animals, and working dogs in rural communities.

Maintaining a strict border ban is the only effective way to prevent introduced snakes from establishing wild populations in New Zealand's temperate climate.

For a broader look at reptile regulations, read our complete NZ pet reptiles legal guide.

Legal pet reptile alternatives in New Zealand

While land snakes are strictly prohibited, New Zealand has a legal, regulated pet reptile community. Reptile hobbyists can choose from several fascinating lizard species that have established domestic breeding populations within NZ:

1. Central Bearded Dragon (*Pogona vitticeps*)

Bearded dragons are one of the most popular legal pet reptiles in New Zealand. Known for their calm temperament and distinctive bearded throats, they thrive in indoor terrariums with proper heating and UVB lighting.

2. Leopard Gecko (*Eublepharis macularius*)

Leopard geckos are docile, nocturnal lizards featuring striking skin patterns. They are smaller than bearded dragons and make excellent choices for reptile keepers. Learn more in our Leopard Gecko breed profile.

3. Blue-Tongue Skink (*Tiliqua scincoides*)

Blue-tongue skinks are large, sturdy Australian lizards kept legally in New Zealand from existing captive stock. They are omnivorous and recognised for their vivid blue tongues and calm temperament. Regional caveat: under Auckland Council's regional pest management plan you must not breed, distribute, release or sell a blue-tongued skink within the Auckland region — you may keep, vet-treat and move house with one you already own, provided it stays securely contained. Check your own council's plan before buying or rehoming.

4. Native NZ Geckos and Skinks (DOC Permit required)

Certain native New Zealand lizards (such as copper skinks or Auckland green geckos) may only be kept by authorized hobbyists holding an official wildlife permit from the Department of Conservation (DOC). Capturing wild native lizards is illegal.

For more details on legal and illegal exotic species in NZ, view our guide to exotic pets banned and restricted in NZ. The same question comes up constantly for two other species: can you own a ferret in NZ and can you get a hamster in NZ.

Summary: Protecting New Zealand's biodiversity

New Zealand's total ban on pet snakes safeguards its world-famous native wildlife. By choosing legal, domestically bred pet reptiles, animal lovers can enjoy reptile ownership responsibly while respecting national biosecurity laws.

If you suspect illegal wildlife importation or spot an escaped exotic animal, contact Biosecurity New Zealand's 24-hour hotline on 0800 80 99 66 immediately.

Sources

• Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996, Schedule 2 — Prohibited new organisms (item 1: "Any snake of any species whatever"): https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1996/0030/latest/DLM386556.html
• Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) — Prohibited organisms in New Zealand: https://www.epa.govt.nz/industry-areas/new-organisms/prohibited-organisms-in-new-zealand/
• Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) — About new organisms: https://www.epa.govt.nz/industry-areas/new-organisms/about-new-organisms/
• Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) — Bringing pets to NZ (other than cats and dogs): https://www.mpi.govt.nz/bring-send-to-nz/pets-travelling-to-nz/bringing-pets-to-nz-other-than-cats-and-dogs