Whanganui huts to be fumigated after mattress bugs found

A single bug attack has resulted in three huts on the popular Whanganui Journey Great Walk being closed for immediate fumigation.

It comes less than a week after the Department of Conservation (DOC) announced it was closing one of its shacks on Stewart Island to clean up a rugged bed bug infestation.

Steve Taylor, director of cultural heritage and visitors to the DOC, said the department is taking the matter seriously and treating each cabin as if it were infested.

Taylor said this week’s report on the bed bug attack came from a credible source, although the bugs have not yet been reported in huts along the Whanganui River.

The Whakahoro and Tīeke huts are temporarily closed for treatment and the John Coull hut will remain closed.

Taylor said the department had been in touch with anyone who wanted to stay in the cabins until the end of the season and informed them of the closings and fumigation plans.