All of New Zealand's native herpetofauna is protected by the Wildlife Act 1953 and the Trade in Endangered Species Act 1989.
It is illegal to disturb any native frog, reptile, bird or other animal.
This means that you can look for herpetofauna during your visit to New Zealand, but cannot touch any native species without a permit from the Department of Conservation (even for photography).
Consequences of disturbing, possessing or smuggling wildlife in New Zealand include fines and imprisonment.
So please come and enjoy viewing our herpetofauna, but refrain from touching any animal.
For further information on the laws regarding wildlife during your visit to New Zealand for this congress, please see:
days
hours
minutes
seconds
