Northland Green Gecko (Moko)

Naultinus grayii

Gumdiggers Park is located on a site encompassing the remains of the Kaikino Valley Swamp and Wetlands. The Park has an area of about 55 acres of regenerating mature Manuka/Kanaka bush land and a further 7 acres of Raupo/Flax Wetland.

The area has remained untouched since the Gumdiggers left (around 60 years ago) and, due to the lack of human activity, is now home to many native plants and animals that are rare or endangered elsewhere.

Part of both of these habitats are open to the public, the remainder being set aside and allowed to regenerate. Our aim is to continue to preserve the area and to help visitors understand and experience the importance of looking after this type of habitat which, until recently, was only valued for firewood or brush sticks fencing.

Gumdiggers Park obtained permission in 2005 to house and breed Northland Green Gecko. A Gecko enclosure now sits along the Eco Trail so that our visitors can enjoy these delightful little lizards. It is hoped that the display will enlighten visitors about the declining numbers of these wonderful little creatures now only rarely seen in the wild. Although the Northland Gecko do live in the mature Tea Tree at Gumdiggers Park we were donated the original adult Geckos from another breeder.

There are strict rules governing the keeping, breeding and releasing of Geckos in New Zealand. The system is administered by the Department of Conservation and the New Zealand Herpetological Society.

The original license was for 2 breeding pair but our Geckos were successful in having one baby last year, so now total five.

The two adult females are both currently pregnant and we are hopeful that we may have a couple more baby gecko's towards the end of Autumn or early winter (we will post photos on this website when that happens).

We will be applying for a license to keep and breed other types of New Zealand Gecko when our current permit allows it in about a year's time.

Our Eco trail also has a lot of information plaques along the way describing the plants and birds found in the Park. Visitors will also often find themselves accompanied by lively fantails (which were recently voted New Zealand's favourite bird).

We are also implementing a "Donate or Plant a Kauri" scheme where visitors can purchase a Kauri Tree (or other native if available) to either take home with them or have us plant it in the Park on their behalf.

Some Interesting Gecko Facts

For more information about New Zealand Reptiles visit: