As its name suggests, the schist gecko lives on schist rock outcrops, where its colouration makes it exquisitely camouflaged. It is now confined to a small part of the driest area of Central Otago.

The schist gecko is nocturnal, and will forage for insects during the night. It also eats some fruit. During the day it occupies deep crevices and hides under loose slabs. When it comes out to sun-bask on the rock, it often stays in partial concealment at a retreat entrance.In areas where there are sufficient numbers of schist gecko left, they can congregate in large groups. They give birth to live twins in February after a nearly year-long gestation.

A small to medium sized gecko, the schist gecko has brown or olive-brown skin with irregular paler blotches and bands, and speckles of black and beige. Its skin simulates the colouration of the local lichen-covered schist outcrops. Its mouth lining and tongue are pink, with a grey tip on the tongue. The soles of its feet are a pale brown.