A German tourist has appeared in a Christchurch court charged with smuggling after native geckos and skinks were discovered in his underwear.
Hans Kurt Kubusn, 58, was stopped by Customs officers on Sunday night at Christchurch International Airport.
He was found to have 44 endangered geckos and skinks hidden in a package in his underwear, including one buried in a rolled sock in his luggage.
Kubusn pleaded guilty to five charges of trading in exploited species and two of hunting protected wildlife when he appeared at Christchurch District Court.
He has been remanded on bail for sentencing on 25 January.
