Pet Breed Guide NZ
Tokay Gecko
The Tokay Gecko (Gekko gecko) is a striking, arboreal reptile renowned for its vibrant blue-grey skin adorned with orange or red spots, and its distinctive, loud 'tokay-tokay' call. Originating from Southeast Asia, these nocturnal geckos are known for their powerful bite and territorial nature, making them a pet best suited for experienced keepers rather than beginners. They possess incredible climbing abilities thanks to their adhesive toe pads. In New Zealand, Tokay Geckos are legal to own if sourced from established NZ stock, but prospective Kiwi owners must always verify current MPI and local council regulations before acquiring one.
Photo Gallery
NZ Ownership Snapshot
Prohibited in NZ- Noise Level
- loud
- Social Needs
- solitary
- Diet Type
- Insectivorous
- UVB Required
- Yes
Tokay Geckos are not on the NZ MPI/NZHS approved species list. No established legal captive population exists in NZ.
Breed Snapshot
- Size
- medium
- Lifespan
- 10-15 years
- Origin
- Southeast Asia
- 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
- Annual Vet Cost
- NZD $150 - $400 annually (for general check-ups and potential minor issues, excluding major surgeries)
Personality Scores
NZ Lifestyle Fit
Tokay Geckos can be suitable for various NZ home types, from apartments to larger houses, provided they are housed in a secure, appropriately sized enclosure. They are not suitable for outdoor living in New Zealand due to our varied climate. Climate control within their enclosure is paramount; they require consistent temperatures and high humidity. In Auckland's humid climate, maintaining humidity might be slightly easier, but active management is still needed. In colder regions like the South Island, robust heating systems are essential to prevent respiratory issues. There are no specific regional restrictions on Tokay Geckos in NZ, but owners must always check with their local council for any unique bylaws. Legally, Tokay Geckos must be sourced from established New Zealand stock. Reputable NZ breeders or pet stores with MPI-approved animals are the only legal avenues for acquisition, ensuring the animal's welfare and compliance with biosecurity regulations.
NZ legal status not yet verified against MPI, EPA, DOC and regional council records. Don't treat this page as confirmation that the species can legally be imported, bought, sold, bred or kept in New Zealand — check those official sources first.
No — you cannot legally keep, buy, or breed a Tokay Gecko (Gekko gecko) in New Zealand. While these large, vocal, and brightly coloured geckos are highly popular among reptile keepers globally, they are strictly prohibited under New Zealand's rigorous biosecurity laws. There are no legal captive populations of Tokay Geckos within New Zealand, and importing them is entirely illegal.
Why Tokay Geckos are not legal in NZ
Under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act 1996, Tokay Geckos are classified as a "new organism." This means the species was not established in New Zealand prior to the 29 July 1998 cutoff date. Consequently, it is illegal to import or keep them without specific authorizations, which are never issued to private keepers.
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) maintains a strict ban on new exotic reptile imports to protect New Zealand’s native habitats. Review the prohibited organism policies on the EPA Prohibited Organisms portal.
The Tokay Gecko is completely absent from the NZHS Exotic Pets whitelist. New Zealand's native geckos (such as the forest gecko or green gecko) are highly vulnerable to introduced predators and pathogens.
Tokay Geckos are large, aggressive, and highly predatory lizards that eat insects, small rodents, and other lizards. If they were to escape and establish in the wild, they would directly prey upon and compete with New Zealand’s endangered native geckos. Furthermore, they carry risks of transmitting foreign reptile parasites and viruses.
What if someone offers you one?
Since there are no legal captive populations or breeding pairs of Tokay Geckos in New Zealand, any individual offered for sale locally is illegal. Importing or purchasing a smuggled new organism is a serious crime under the Biosecurity Act 1993 and the HSNO Act 1996. Convictions carry heavy penalties, including substantial fines and prison terms.
Furthermore, smuggled animals bypass all biosecurity screening and quarantine, making them highly likely to carry diseases that could devastate New Zealand's native geckos and skinks.
If you encounter anyone advertising Tokay Geckos for sale, or if someone offers to sell you one, you should report it immediately to the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) via their confidential 24-hour biosecurity hotline at 0800 80 99 66.
Legal reptiles to keep instead
If you love geckos and want to keep a fascinating, legal reptile as a pet in New Zealand, there are several highly popular options that are legally bred and traded within the Kiwi hobby:
- Leopard Gecko: The Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis macularius) is an incredibly popular and legal option in New Zealand. They are beautifully patterned, docile, and highly suited for indoor terrariums. Check our detailed leopard gecko guide.
- Crested Gecko: The Crested Gecko (Correlophus ciliatus) is another excellent legal choice. They are docile, climb glass and branches, and thrive in beautifully planted terrariums. Learn more in our crested gecko guide.
- Bearded Dragon: If you prefer a larger, interactive pet, the Central Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps) is highly popular and completely legal to keep. Read our bearded dragon care sheet.
Sources
- Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). Prohibited organisms in New Zealand, checked 2026-07-04: https://www.epa.govt.nz/industry-areas/new-organisms/prohibited-organisms-in-new-zealand/
- New Zealand Herpetological Society (NZHS). Approved exotic pet registry, checked 2026-07-04: https://www.reptiles.org.nz/herpetofauna/exotic-pets
Fun Facts
Fact 1
Tokay Geckos are named after their loud, distinctive 'tokay-tokay' call, which can be surprisingly vocal.
Fact 2
They possess incredibly strong jaws and a powerful bite, known to hold on tenaciously once they clamp down.
Fact 3
Their toe pads are covered in millions of microscopic hair-like structures called setae, allowing them to cling to almost any surface, even upside down.
Fact 4
Tokay Geckos can change the intensity of their colouration to blend in with their surroundings or express their mood.
Fact 5
In some cultures, Tokay Geckos are considered symbols of good luck or fertility, while in others, their loud calls are believed to ward off evil spirits.
Related Breeds
Ackie Monitor
The Ackie Monitor is not legally keepable in New Zealand; this page details the legal framework and approved alternative reptile species.
Australian Water Dragon
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.
Bearded Dragon
Bearded Dragon is a medium reptile originating from Australia. Its NZ legal status has not yet been verified against official MPI, EPA, DOC and council records, so don't source, import, breed, sell or keep one on the strength of this profile alone. Check MPI, EPA, DOC, and local council rules before sourcing one. Typical lifespan is 10-15 years.
Blue-tongued Skink
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.