Pet Breed Guide NZ
Ackie Monitor
The Ackie Monitor is not legally keepable in New Zealand; this page details the legal framework and legal alternative reptile species.
Photo Gallery
NZ Ownership Snapshot
Prohibited in NZ- Noise Level
- quiet
- Social Needs
- solitary
Monitor lizards (Varanus sp.) cannot be legally imported or kept as pets in New Zealand. MPI does not allow reptiles to be imported as pets (only some reptiles for zoos), and under the HSNO Act 1996 a species not present in NZ before 29 July 1998 is a "new organism" that cannot be imported or released without EPA approval. Ackie Monitors are not part of New Zealand's pet trade.
Breed Snapshot
- Size
- medium
- Lifespan
- 15-20 years
- Origin
- Australia
- Care Focus
- Enclosure-focused reptile with handling tolerance and activity needs that should be checked in a species-specific care guide.
- NZ Price
- NOT AVAILABLE IN NZ — prohibited species, no lawful source or price
NZ Lifestyle Fit
Not legal to keep as a pet in NZ. MPI does not allow snakes or other reptiles to be imported as pets (only some reptiles for zoos); other than cats and dogs, only rabbits, guinea pigs and chinchillas can be imported as pets. Under the HSNO Act 1996, a species not present in NZ immediately before 29 July 1998 is a "new organism" that cannot be imported or released without EPA approval (s2A, s25), and knowingly, recklessly or negligently possessing one imported in breach of the Act is an offence (s109). Sources: mpi.govt.nz (Bringing pets to NZ other than cats and dogs); legislation.govt.nz (HSNO Act 1996). Checked 29 September 2026.
No — you cannot legally keep, buy, or breed an Ackie Monitor (Varanus acanthurus) in New Zealand. While these miniature monitor lizards are incredibly popular in the global reptile hobby due to their active behaviour and manageable size, they are strictly prohibited under New Zealand's rigorous biosecurity laws. Ackie Monitors are not part of New Zealand's pet trade, and they cannot be imported as pets.
Why Ackie Monitors are not legal in NZ
One of the laws keeping Ackie Monitors out of New Zealand is the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act 1996. Under this legislation, any species that was not physically present in New Zealand prior to 29 July 1998 is legally classified as a "new organism."
A new organism cannot be imported or released without an approval from the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), and knowingly, recklessly or negligently possessing one that was imported in breach of the Act is an offence. Separately, the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) does not allow snakes or other reptiles to be imported as pets (only some reptiles for zoos), so there is no lawful way to bring an Ackie Monitor into New Zealand as a pet.
The Ackie Monitor is also absent from the New Zealand Herpetological Society's list of exotics commonly kept in New Zealand — the NZHS is a hobby society, not a regulator, so that list is not an approval list.
What if someone offers you one?
If a local breeder, online seller, or social media group offers to sell you an Ackie Monitor in New Zealand, do not buy it. Because there are no legal breeding lines within the country, any individual present in New Zealand is almost certainly the result of illegal wildlife smuggling.
Purchasing, holding, or breeding a smuggled new organism is a serious offence under both the Biosecurity Act 1993 and the HSNO Act 1996. Engaging in the illegal trade of these lizards not only carries severe legal penalties but also puts New Zealand’s native wildlife at risk of contracting foreign diseases.
If you encounter anyone advertising or selling Ackie Monitors, you should report the details immediately to the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) via their 24-hour biosecurity hotline at 0800 80 99 66. Reports can be made confidentially, helping protect the local ecology from illegal introductions.
Legal reptiles to keep instead
If you are looking for an engaging, legal lizard to keep as a pet in New Zealand, consider these alternatives:
- Bearded Dragon: The Central Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps) is the most popular large lizard in the Kiwi hobby. They are known for their calm temperament and responsive behaviour. Learn more about their housing requirements in our bearded dragon guide.
- Blue-Tongue Skink: The Eastern Blue-Tongue Skink (Tiliqua scincoides) is a robust, fascinating lizard with a gentle nature. While they are legal to keep, they are subject to regional pest management restrictions in certain areas like Auckland, meaning breeding or selling them there is prohibited. Read the full details in our blue-tongue skink profile.
- Leopard Gecko: If you prefer a smaller, colourful lizard, the Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis macularius) is a brilliant choice. They are docile, nocturnal, and highly suited for indoor terrariums. Check our detailed leopard gecko guide.
Sources
- New Zealand Herpetological Society (NZHS). Exotic pets — a hobby society's list of exotics commonly kept in New Zealand (not an approval list), checked 2026-09-28: https://www.reptiles.org.nz/herpetofauna/exotic-pets
- Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). Bringing pets to NZ (other than cats and dogs), checked 2026-09-29: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/bring-send-to-nz/pets-travelling-to-nz/bringing-pets-to-nz-other-than-cats-and-dogs/
- New Zealand Legislation. Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 (s2A, s25, s109, Schedule 2), checked 2026-09-28: https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1996/0030/latest/whole.html
Fun Facts
Fact 1
The name "Ackie" is a common abbreviation for their scientific name, Varanus acanthurus.
Fact 2
They are known for their impressive intelligence and can often recognise their keepers.
Fact 3
Their spiny tail is not just for show; it provides protection from predators and can be used as a defensive whip.
Fact 4
Ackie Monitors are excellent burrowers, creating complex tunnel systems in their natural habitat to escape heat and predators.
Fact 5
They are incredibly fast and agile, capable of quick bursts of speed to catch prey or evade threats.
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