Overview
Lizards and Snakes
There are no terrestrial snakes in New Zealand and no evidence that they ever existed here. Two species of sea-snakes are found occasionally in northern waters: the yellow-bellied sea snake Pelamis platurus and the banded sea snake Laticauda colubrina. The yellow-bellied sea snake is more common, with 6-10 records per year. Neither species breeds in the New Zealand region. Sea snakes grow to 30-50 cm in length and both species are poisonous.
The only lizards we have in New Zealand are skinks and geckos.
There are 17 gecko species and 28 endemic skink species (one which is egg laying, the others produce live young) currently recognised, however, genetic studies and surveys of remote alpine areas are discovering new species and more are likely to be found.
Geckos
New Zealand geckos' eyes are covered with a clear disc and are in effect open all the time. (Geckos don't blink) and their head shape is larger and flattened compared with the skink.
Geckos have baggy, velvety skin and broad heads. They eat insects, fruit and nectar. They usually give birth to two young in late summer / early autumn.
Skinks
Skinks can close their eyes with a moveable eyelid (skinks blink) and they have slender bodies with smooth, shiny skin.