Trampers who plan to walk the Rakiura Track on Stewart Island this summer are being offered the option of a refund as the battle against bed bugs continues.
The bugs reached infestation levels last year and earlier this year at the North Arm hut. Both the North Arm and Port William huts have been checked and retreated ahead of the season.
While tourism operators say the news has deterred some, others are preparing to lace up their hiking boots this summer.
Tess Brunton reports.
