Tuatara: where and when to see them

The tuatara is a New Zealand reptile belonging to an ancient lineage separate from lizards and snakes. Although superficially lizard-like, it has distinctive skull anatomy and a unique arrangement of teeth. Wild populations survive chiefly on predator-free islands, with additional populations established through conservation transfers. Slow growth, late maturity and exceptional longevity characterize its life history. Its continued survival depends on preventing introduced mammals from reaching refuges and maintaining carefully managed habitats.

Size

40–60 cm total length

Weight

0.3–1 kg

Lifespan

60–100+ years

Status

Least Concern

Tuatara spend much of their time in burrows, emerging to forage mainly at dusk or after dark, although they also bask by day. They remain active at lower temperatures than many reptiles. Adults defend space with displays, and males may fight during the breeding season. Reproduction is unusually slow: females breed infrequently, and eggs commonly take more than a year to hatch. Burrows may occur within seabird colonies. Tuatara are known for their exceptionally long lifespan, with individuals often living for over 60 years, and some even exceeding 100 years in captivity. They are primarily nocturnal or crepuscular, using their excellent night vision to hunt for prey after sunset.

• Tuatara are the only living representatives of the order Rhynchocephalia.
• Their upper jaw has two tooth rows that fit around one lower row.
• Incubation temperature influences the sex of hatchlings.
• A light-sensitive parietal eye is most evident in young animals.

Warmer months generally offer more opportunities to see tuatara active or basking at authorized sanctuaries. Local temperature, cloud and opening hours matter more than a national calendar. Many wild islands remain closed regardless of season, and breeding timing is not a visitor-access guide. The relatively slow metabolism of tuatara means their activity is less influenced by daily temperature fluctuations than many other reptiles, allowing for some activity even on cooler days. Optimal viewing conditions often coincide with warmer, settled weather, particularly in late spring and summer, encouraging them to bask.

Natural strongholds are predator-free offshore islands with coastal scrub, grassland, forest and suitable burrowing ground. Seabird colonies can provide both burrows and food resources. Managed mainland sanctuaries also support tuatara, but ordinary unfenced coastal habitat should not be assumed to contain them. While naturally restricted to predator-free offshore islands, several mainland enclosures have been established to reintroduce and protect tuatara populations. These mainland sanctuaries provide secure, managed habitats, often with specially designed fencing to exclude invasive predators.

Beetles, crickets, spiders and other invertebrates make up much of the diet. Larger individuals also take small vertebrates, including lizards and occasionally seabird eggs or chicks. Juvenile tuatara can themselves be eaten by adults, encouraging younger animals to avoid close encounters. Their diet primarily consists of insects and other invertebrates found within their burrow systems or on the ground surface. They are opportunistic predators, and the specific composition of their diet can vary based on local prey availability.

Common name

Tuatara

Scientific name

Sphenodon punctatus

Animal group

Reptiles

Size

40–60 cm total length

Weight

0.3–1 kg

Lifespan

60–100+ years

Status

Least Concern

Identification

Unlike New Zealand lizards, tuatara have a crest of soft spines along the back and lack visible external ear openings. A unique characteristic is the presence of a 'parietal eye' or 'third eye' on the top of their head, though it is covered by scales in adults and not outwardly visible. Their skin is rough and pebbled, offering camouflage within their rocky and vegetated surroundings.