Visitors to parks and reserves in the Tongariro and Taupo area are being warned to beware of an unusually high number of wasps.
A Department of Conservation spokesperson Kim Turia says an increase in German and common wasps in recent weeks has prompted a lot of calls to staff from concerned members of the public.
Ms Turia says while unprovoked wasp attacks are rare, the wasps can be aggressive and their stings can cause problems for people who are allergic.
Staff from the Department of Conservation and Taupo District Council are removing nests from public land, but private land owners are being urged to seek advice if they find a nest.
