Tuatara

Tuatara is the sole surviving representative of an ancient reptile order and is found only in New Zealand. Its colour ranges from olive-green and brown to orange-red, and males carry a prominent crest down the neck and back. The heavy body, large head and line of soft spines along the neck, back and tail separate tuatara from New Zealand lizards; the male can erect his crest during courtship or combat. Tuatara also lack the external ear opening visible on geckos.

Wild populations survive on offshore islands and at protected translocation sites, including islands in Cook Strait and the Hauraki Gulf. Mainland viewing populations have been restored within fenced sanctuaries such as Zealandia. Tuatara shelter in burrows and emerge at night or to bask, remaining active at cooler temperatures than most reptiles. They eat beetles, wētā, worms, millipedes and spiders, as well as lizards and seabird eggs or chicks.

Tuatara is At Risk — Uncommon (NZ Threat Classification). Introduced rats devastated many populations by eating eggs and young, while poaching and limited secure habitat remain management concerns. They can be viewed in nocturnal houses and at selected fenced sanctuaries, including Zealandia in Wellington; most wild island populations have restricted access. Warm, calm evenings offer the best chance where public night viewing is allowed.