The world's oldest gecko have been found off the coast of North Canterbury

Two of the reptiles living on the predator free Motunau Island are thought to be around 60 and 64 years-old - surpassing the old record of 53.

They were first discovered in 1967 and 1969 by late Herpetologist Tony Whitaker.

Department of Conservation Ranger Kaitlyn Leeds says the geckos were found during a five-yearly monitoring visit.

She says they were blown away to find two of the original marked lizards - individually marked with toe--clip identification - by Whitaker.