The assistant at the tour company we used to book our Milford Sound cruise said that it is pretty much impossible to get lost between Milford Sound and Queenstown. There were plenty of stream crossings via swing bridges and so many stunning waterfalls and photo opportunities along the way. 8. Cold overnight and morning but peaceful … Just be wary of the sandflies! That’s why some people join package tour from Queenstown or Te Anau. The Milford Track isn’t a loop, but there are several options for transport to get you to/from the start + end of the walk. Here's how to plan a 10-day itinerary for one. However - breaking the journey up with an overnight in Milford Sound makes the drive (5hrs each day) much more safely doable. In the summer season there are buses from Queenstown to Kinloch. Clicking on a marker will give you the detail of the report, which is very useful and often funny (if you like a bit of sandfly humour, that is) sister brands. You can either hike the track independently and stay at the huts operated by the Department of Conservation (40 bunks, reservations required) or join the guided walks offered by Ultimate Hikes in Queenstown (50 per day, reservations required). Because New Zealand has Sandflies, and if you’re visiting the west coast (e.g., Milford Sound, Arthurs Pass) you will come across these suckers and suddenly wish you hadn’t. From Milford Sound, it is a 2-hour drive (93km) to Te Anau Downs, 2 ½ hours (120km) to Te Anau and 5 hours to Queenstown … There are a few different flight options you can consider including: Fly to and from Queenstown to Milford – On a small fixed-wing plane you’ll enjoy a scenic flight and skip the long drive from Queenstown to Milford (and back again) completely. Te Anau to Milford Sound is approximately 2.5 hours. Mosquito spray is available for purchase from Discover Milford Sound Cafe & Information Centre in Milford Sound. Zoom in with double click or (+) on the map to see a particular area. Your other locations shouldn't be a problem. Sandflies are not an issue in Queenstown itself. There is no phone signal and no internet in Milford Sound or on the way there. Always take bottled water, insect repellent (for those pesky sandflies) and something to take photos with! If you’re lucky enough to be visiting in summer, the Bowen Falls Walk is also easily accessible from the township. The track finishes at Sandfly Point, a 15-minute boat ride to Milford Sound Wharf. Also, I had thankfully learned my lesson from the Shotover River. Many of Te Anau’s activities are focused around its stunning lake and easy access to Fiordland National Park. We are unable to offer accommodation pickups in Queenstown. Here, you can set off on the Milford Track, Kepler Track and Routeburn Track and other multi-day hikes.. To avoid being bitten, bring mosquito spray with you and wear long-sleeve clothing and trousers. The scenery in New Zealand is beautiful, so even from the car, there were a lot of views to enjoy. There will be ATM everywhere, including most supermarkets. Having a professional drive is recommended because it's 10hours+ of driving from Queenstown to Milford Sound return, and that's just not safe. Queenstown If you want to try bungy jumping, Queenstown has the original and the highest in New Zealand, plus they also have swings if hanging upside isn’t your thing! The New Zealand blackfly occurs in the North Island and around the coasts of the South Island. ... As sandflies are waterborne and breakfree is so close to the lake and bush. Wear sunscreen! There's no need to make the full 294km drive in one day, with plenty of campgrounds en route, and tempting short hikes. They are often found at beaches, and at the edges of lakes or swamps. Haast Pass Lookout. The track is usually accessible between November and April, but there is a quota on this track of 100 people per day. The bed bugs hinted at in another review were nowhere to be seen, however there were a couple of sandflies, which are almost everywhere in the Queenstown area - good luck finding a place that doesn't have them. Situated a scenic 45 minute drive from Queenstown, Glenorchy is a lush green paradise covered in native bush and surrounded by stunning mountain ranges. Right now, daytrippers from Queenstown take a 5 hours bus ride to Milford Sound with few stops, go on a boat cruise up and down the fjord, and then spend 5 hours on the return journey. Can get really cold in winter so take a warm jacket. Wrong. How to get to Wānaka. Note, SH94 reaches a height of more than 1,000m so care is required and chains must … The room was spacious, had all implements I needed for breakfast (ok, no table, but there was one just outside in the garden). These repellents hardly seem to work unless they are at least 40% Deet, and I’ve always found the sandflies to be far too persistent for any spray. Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers are an astonishing display of Mother Nature’s charm, placing powerful glaciers between dramatic mountains and the Tasman sea. The closest toilet facilities are inside the Queenstown Skyline Gondola building at the start/end of your walk. The Maori came to gather the stone from Milford Sound when the seasonal weather was milder. Yep, you read that correctly. Info & Track provide a baggage transfer service between Queenstown and the … The bites were already painfully itchy. No sandflies there, and we were happy to see the maybe-loud unfriendly people were gone. 14 years ago. Re: Sandflies . Scenic Views. The cruise departure point is walking distance from all central Queenstown accommodation, so stating your cruise adventure is easy! The days become shorter and cooler, mountains become covered in snow, and the pace of life slows in the local community. There is a large parking lot off the road where the viewpoint is located: The journey on State Highway 8 continues through the fantastic Lindis Pass after passing the town of Omarama. In Australia there is an additional subgenus Novaustrosimulium.The nearest relative is the genus Paraustrosimulium in South America. Answer 1 of 10: Hi, we are planning a trip in Feb/March next year to SI and NI with our baby girl and were wondering if there are particular (lake) regions, where the sandflies are very bad at that time of the year and which we should avoid. Despite being a rather short trail, it is almost completely up on the way to the viewpoint. The sheepdog Memorial was built in 1968 as a memorial to the good bois (sheep dogs, in this case) who helped run the farms of New Zealand. They are often found at beaches, and at the edges of lakes or swamps. I found them a bit creepy. Read More GO NZ: A South … Queenstown. Planning the perfect two weeks in New Zealand can be a challenging task - there's so much to see you can't really see everything. There are 78 four-star hotels in Queenstown at an average price of 127 USD per night. You could spend a few days in each, which would also allow you to see a lot of the surrounding areas. I have booked a night at Milford Sound Lodge since looking at pictures and activities to do there seemed like a lot for just a day trip. Sandflies are found wherever there is flowing water and bush. Apart from a few pesky sandflies, there are no creatures to worry about and no malaria. This is the home stretch of our South Island journey as we enjoy Abel Tasman before heading to sunny Nelson for a couple of days. They did not live in the area year round, preferring to head back to the Otago and Southland coastal areas where there food was plentiful and the weather less harsh. Over summer there may be too many larvae for the fish to eat, this is one area where mosquito dunks are a good idea. For the Milford Track, be sure to pack insect repellent as the sandflies are abundant in … The cost is $15/bag (up to 15kg) between Queenstown and Te Anau or Milford and Te Anau, and $30/bag between Queenstown and Milford Sound. Didn't have probs in Taupo or Queenstown, but agree, they're present in Glenorchy, although we were fine at Kinloch and Paradise. There is a bench seat at Ben Lomond Saddle. We went straight to the i-SITE and booked a jet boat ride for the next day, which several people had recommended. It even has a castle. This was the first time I've done this track. Just under a 10 … ... After a night with sandflies sounds all around us, these were waiting to get their breakfast from our bodies. They hang a lot around Milford Sound and west coast of South Island. The statue perches beside the lake (just down from the church) and, from the right position, can be captured with the mountains and lake in the background. Wrong. Wanaka is a 1-1.5 hour drive from Queenstown (which has an international airport for flights from Australia), 5 hours from Christchurch (with an international airport) and 3 hours from Dunedin. ... we found even more points of interest along the way. There was always a huge line out the door at all hours of the day. We will probably try to buy it when we get there. The bed bugs hinted at in another review were nowhere to be seen, however there were a couple of sandflies, which are almost everywhere in the Queenstown area - good luck finding a place that doesn't have them. Spend 1.5 hours cruising Lake Wakatipu and enjoy unobstructed views as you go. Though there were sandflies around, I was ready this time with plenty of clothing covering me up and bug repellent on exposed skin. Queenstown was only about 20km farther. As the coast stretches so far (over 600 kms), it's difficult to very accurately provide an overview of getting there. In New Zealand they are called Sandflies or Te namu, however worldwide the Simuliidae are known as Blackflies. I chose it because it's the only major track in the Queenstown region that I haven't done. Although there are plenty of day trips to Milford from Queenstown, it is a ridiculously long day so you are doing well to avoid it. Doing a Milford Sound day trip from Queenstown and then a cruise makes for a reeeeally long day. Departure is at 6.55am from 'The Station Information Centre', on the Corner of Camp & Shotover Streets in Central Queenstown. There’s a bunch of hikes around Milford Sound and the Milford Road, with options to suit every skill level. The views are breathtaking and you get an excellent workout hiking up to the lookout. An early Maori legend says that sandflies were created to punish laziness and it is easy to see where the legend comes from. There’s no doubt about it — Doubtful Sound can give Milford Sound a run for its money. Queenstown Milford Track (I'd expected lots of sand flies here!) It is pretty much one road all the way there and you need to follow that same road to get back. Soon we were covered, they started biting. These can be hired from DOC visitors Centre, Queenstown, 50 Stanley St and ASI, 115 Yarrow St, Invercargill. We have allowed a little extra time for short nature walks and photo stops along the way. the settlement of Milford Sound is tiny and the only accommodation (unless you've just finished the Milford Track) is the backpackers, which also now has luxurious but expensive cottages. The drive there was rather easy at first but the last 3km consisted of a pot holed dirt track which I found a little bit difficult to navigate but we managed. For departures from Queenstown, are you able to offer accommodation pickups? Take an unforgettable trip in our luxury glass roofed coach from Queenstown to Milford Sound with Milford Sound Select. i've been hanging out to get up there but there's been a laod of water flowing most of summer so far. New Zealand Geographic. ... – Lakeside view of Queenstown – Make sure you’ve packed plenty of sprays! If Safety and Comfort are your priorities, this is the trip for you! If coming from the airport we can arrange a pickup for you or you can take the public bus or taxi into Queenstown to … The Queenstown Hill walk is shorter than many of the South Island’s walks, but despite this, you’re offered amazing views of Queenstown and the surrounding lake. Answer 1 of 23: I notice there are recommendations to take the bus rather than self drive to Milford Sound. Fantail Falls was the second of two pretty well-known waterfalls we encountered in the vicinity of Haast Pass. It’s about a 2 hour 15 minute drive from Queenstown. For the journey, you should check before that the SH 94 is not closed because of the falls of stone. Whether you’ve been attacked by sandflies, feel unwell, or maybe just discovered that the prescription from back home won’t work here, we’re happy to see you. However, there are amazing rock formations and wildlife on the nearby beach and at Golden Bay. Four of that group had a rest day in Queenstown and then, joined by two others, did the Rees-Dart Track December 10-14. The only nightmare that we had was sandflies. • There are about 11 different species of sandfly in New Zealand. The best way to see Milford Sound is by boat, and Real Journeys offers different boat and transport options from Queenstown. Our two-week itinerary of the south island is fast paced, but this is the best way to see everything New Zealand's South Island has to offer. The bed bugs hinted at in another review were nowhere to be seen, however there were a couple of sandflies, which are almost everywhere in the Queenstown area - good luck finding a place that doesn't have them. It passed through a narrow cleft, into a land where it did not rain (well, only lightly), where the hills were covered with tussock grass and where, blessing of blessings, there were no sandflies. Bite Prevention Sandflies are most active in calm, overcast, humid conditions and are typically more active at dawn and dusk. Answer 1 of 23: I notice there are recommendations to take the bus rather than self drive to Milford Sound. I’ll therefore be holing up there for a week to write as much as is humanly possible. • Most sandflies will bite any warm-blooded animal and one species attacks penguins. Have a fantastic trip, beautiful beautiful countryside :) 40 helpful votes. Skydiving is popular as is the Shotover Jet boat ride, plus white water rafting, the luge, and a huge number of other adventure activities. Milford Track walkers can finish at Queenstown airport if required. The Milford Track isn’t a loop, but there are several options for transport to get you to/from the start + end of the walk. Hundreds of sandflies. There are a couple of camping grounds in the area and there’s so much to see. This is a 300 km drive with a stopover in Te Anau, the gateway to the Fiordland. What time do I arrive back in Queenstown? Wanaka has a surprisingly excellent restaurant scene for its size. i did a stint there in winter when the water was really low but it wasn't so good for the health in a damp dark rocky gorge. I did have a paddle, in the clear … The West Coast blackfly is confined to the South Island, where it … There is a great DOC campsite right near the lakeshore, just make sure to pack enough bug repellent to keep those nasty sandflies at bay! The walk is easily manageable for kids of all ages. This map of New Zealand shows the areas where sandflies are most likely to be a nuisance. Major car and campervan hire companies are all located at Christchurch, Dunedin and Queenstown airports. Answer 1 of 9: We just got back to the States after 7 weeks in NZ during Dec to Jan - with 4 of those weeks on the South Island. Sandflies are found wherever there is flowing water and bush. From Australia, fly into Christchurch on the South Island, and take an easy connecting flight to Queenstown which will have you there in about 45 minutes. The proximity of three of New Zealand's ten Great Walks places Te Anau firmly on the map as New Zealand’s walking capital. For some of the best landscapes in the world, you must plan a New Zealand South Island road trip. OK, these were definitely sandflies. That’s a long day with a lot of time in a coach! Queenstown Hill, Queenstown. New Zealand has scenic views around every corner. Having a professional drive is recommended because it's 10hours+ of driving from Queenstown to Milford Sound return, and that's just not safe. Chapter Four - Day 4: Dumpling Hut to Sandfly Point. Goodnight! Please make sure you have petrol, when you leave Te Anau there is … make sure they have a drain hole in them or get rid of them completely. 7 reviews. They are notably worse on the Milford Track. There are no showers available, but given the climate on the track and the abundance of moving water, you can expect to get wet. Wānaka is unique and captivating; it inspires you to discover, and gives you the freedom to explore. Discover New Zealand’s most dramatic landscapes and the beautiful World Heritage Fiordland National Park. No sandflies in Wanaka or Glendhu Bay but there are sandflies on the East side of Lake Hawea which is nearby. Follow this link for more info on the breeding cycle of sandflies. There are plenty of accommodation options in the Nelson region. The New Zealand blackfly occurs in the North Island and around the coasts of the South Island. Wanaka has no sandflies. We recommend taking a beacon. I was thinking of booking a night in Milford so that we could enjoy more time and take the 3 hours cruise. Being the nearest free site near Queenstown was highly beneficial (roughly 30min). I highly recommend the Isthmus Peak track and Hawea is a really nice little town (a much quieter alternative to Wanaka). It's suggested to carry a small towel, preferably a lightweight, highly absorbent one. Explore the Region. No sandflies in Wanaka or Glendhu Bay but there are sandflies on the East side of Lake Hawea which is nearby. No, not even on the West Coast! Takaka to Nelson Segment 7 – NZ South Island Road Trip. There are sandflies in Milford Sound. Welcome to Queenstown! Please note that bags weighing over 15kg will be charged extra. Wildlife: Native birds to be spotted on Ben Lomond include the New Zealand pipit and the occasional kea. Sandflies, on a minute level, rip and tear the flesh to open the skin and access blood, using anti-coagulating qualities of saliva to feed. We recommend you wear insect repellent each day. Swimming – There is evidence (swing ropes) that people swim in the river connecting the two lakes (a.k.a Mararoa River) but I think that’s during the summer season. Copy and paste the url below to share the link. The Kepler Track is one of New Zealand’s most popular hikes. There are regular scheduled buses from Queenstown to Glenorchy that require a minimum of 2 to run. Coverage is intermittent through to Mossburn. This arrival time may connect with some flights out of Queenstown. There's not a lot in Te Anau bit it does have a small supermarket, a few places to eat, good picnic grounds next to the lake, and the Glow worm caves is a fantastic additional tour. There’s only one campground, though. OK, these were definitely sandflies. To drive from Dunedin to Queenstown takes approximately three and a half hours, but the views get better and better: mountains and lakes straight from a fantasy world. For the sandflies, there is only one solution: the repellent. If you have a debit card you may be able to get cash out with your groceries. Fantail Falls ... How is the journey from Queenstown? From here, there’s an impressive view, with Mount Awful dominating the skyline. Answer 1 of 10: Hi, we are planning a trip in Feb/March next year to SI and NI with our baby girl and were wondering if there are particular (lake) regions, where the sandflies are very bad at that time of the year and which we should avoid. I was thinking of booking a night in Milford so that we could enjoy more time and take the 3 hours cruise. Ask a question to Ben. We high tailed it back to Crown Range Summit. Goodnight! There are plenty of options when it comes to repellent, all claiming to be the best at keeping your skin sandfly-free, but they are full of lies. Because New Zealand has Sandflies, and if you’re visiting the west coast (e.g., Milford Sound, Arthurs Pass) you will come across these suckers and suddenly wish you hadn’t. I just about had to turn back. There is no coverage for 36km from Mt Nicholas Station to Mavora. ... but otherwise no issues there. Have a … How bad are the sandflies? The room was spacious, had all implements I needed for breakfast (ok, no table, but there was one just outside in the garden). There are sandflies in Milford Sound. Milford - definitely. There is also a wonderful variety of family-friendly accommodations with excellent facilities available. There were another two camper vans and a caravan there overnight, all spread out along a rather bumpy ‘road’. Share; The months of May to September mark winter in Fiordland and Milford Sound. ... but otherwise no issues there. Queenstown is 5-6 hours drive from Milford Sound so most companies pick up from your hotel before 7am and get back 12 hours later. The campsite had a great boho vibe cafe called the Cowshed, we spent most of our time in there trying to escape the rain and the MANY sandflies. • Scientists believe that in tropical countries sandflies are attracted to humans by the sweat and the moisture on the skin that sweat creates. Didn't have probs in Taupo or Queenstown, but agree, they're present in Glenorchy, although we were fine at Kinloch and Paradise. SIM cards are easy to purchase. There are no dangerous animals in New Zealand (yes, there are no snakes in New Zealand!) We arrive at approximately 4pm. Honestly, there isn’t an area in the world where there are as many sandflies as in Fiordland National Park. 3h17m, 13k, 563m elevation. Photo credit: Sarah Chant 2. There's not a lot in Te Anau bit it does have a small supermarket, a few places to eat, good picnic grounds next to the lake, and the Glow worm caves is a fantastic additional tour. I almost forgot to mention, no more sandflies!!! It is a 5 minute walk to the first viewpoint, which would be accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, then down a short hill to the big swing bridge. Fish ponds - try to find fish species that love mosquito larvae. But honestly, this place is so beautiful, you can ignore the fact that there are sandflies, for views like this… 9. ACTIVITIES IN TE ANAU AND MANAPOURI. One start/finish point of the track is the Routeburn Shelter, at the Mount Aspiring National Park end of the track. However, keen hikers that are constantly moving or beach-goers that are having fun in and around the water seem to be much less attractive. We were motoring through Mt Aspiring National Park between Queenstown and Glacier Country (i.e. Where are the sandflies and how bad are they? There are no dangerous animals in New Zealand (yes, there are no snakes in New Zealand!) The only thing that keeps it from a 5 is the sandflies which were fierce as advertised. Drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound . There is no cellphone reception along the Milford Road or in Milford Sound. Day Four – Milford Sound Drive to Te Anau . This section is snow covered in winter/spring and should only be attempted during these times by parties with alpine and avalanche experience. It is 72km (1 hour 10 minute drive) from Queenstown … But user beware: the sandflies will eat you alive here. As expected, it's more difficult than any of the Great Walks, but it was amazing! Soon we were covered, they started biting. Though I don’t recommend doing it hungover. But honestly, this place is so beautiful, you can ignore the fact that there are sandflies, for views like this… 9. The shop deScheneke is talking about is a major supermarket, and from memory there are also full blown supermarkets down town. It is the land of the sandflies so don’t forget bug spray!! Getting there Milford is 120km from Te Anau and 307km from Queenstown. The views are beautiful and there's a cycling path nearby if … A relief after many evenings having to retreat inside my tent to get away from them. Is the Hokitika Gorge walk suitable for kids? From Australia, fly into Christchurch on the South Island, and take an easy connecting flight to Queenstown which will have you there in about 45 minutes. The Queenstown Hill walk is shorter than many of the South Island’s walks, but despite this, you’re offered amazing views of Queenstown and the surrounding lake. Fiordland (MIlford Sound) and parts of the West Coast have the worst sandfly issues.I haven't encountered any sandflies in Wanaka or Queenstown - but Glenorchy has sandflies.. Milford is thick with them but the last few times I've been there they didn't bother me. the massive rains the other day probably have prolonged the situation. Sandflies protect the beautiful places – bring insect repellent to protect yourself against sandflies. Discover New Zealand’s most dramatic landscapes and the beautiful World Heritage Fiordland National Park. Queenstown is also known as the Adventure Capital of the World, with many options for bungy jumping, skydiving, jet boat tours, and other adventure tours out of the city. Nelson lakes is a great area for nature lovers with many hikes and a few backcountry huts to choose from. But it’s a Queenstown must try. ... pier, and a café. Doubtful Sound reaches about 430m at its maximum depth. 1,340 posts. Sandflies: These tiny creatures can be a big annoyance! Many people only allow the one day - so it's a squeeze. No sooner do you print 4,000 copies of a book than the obvious oversights stare the writer in the face. My face got burnt a couple of times just being out in the sun for 30 minutes without sunscreen. [Lake Dunstan was really this blue! Clean and safe, New Zealand is also a stress-free destination. Even covered in insect repellent they persist, drifting around my face during all tasks. There are phone stores in the airport after baggage collection. Fish ponds - try to find fish species that love mosquito larvae. Their bites are super itchy and can last weeks on some people. Thanks! Over summer there may be too many larvae for the fish to eat, this is one area where mosquito dunks are a good idea. Many people only allow the one day - so it's a squeeze. 11 Jun 2015. The following article on hiking the Kepler Track is a guest post by Daniel. This is not surprising, as sandflies breed in the swift-flowing bush streams that abound in this region. There are a few things you should be aware of before you arrive. 6. Alternatively, there are direct flights from the East Coast of Australia. And as I mentioned above, I was blown away by Queenstown-without-the-crowds in February, so much so that I want to spend as much time there as possible. Ferburger is a popular burger place in Queenstown. There is quite a lot of eel swimming around right next to the piers. There is no regular public transport to the Mavora Lakes. Queenstown Tourism Queenstown Hotels Bed and Breakfast Queenstown Queenstown Holiday Rentals Flights to Queenstown Queenstown Restaurants Queenstown Attractions Queenstown Travel Forum Queenstown Photos Eight hours sleep helps rejuvenate a tired body, although I did wake up and hear the 5 05 am mountain weather forecast: some rain predicted for this afternoon, … Winter: (June to August) Queenstown for instance will be your winter wonderland, but there surely are a number of ski areas around the country. The room was spacious, had all implements I needed for breakfast (ok, no table, but there was one just outside in the garden). There’s a great little bridge, a hidden swing and great views all around. Overcast, although the sandflies under the fly bouncing around sound entirely like raindrops pitter patter. What a relief, I hear you sigh. There are two turn-off points from SH94 between Mossburn and Te Anau, either at Centre Hill or Burwood Station, then follow gravel roads for 39 km. Time to go. There is a plan underfoot to build a monorail over part of the journey from Queenstown, which would cut out Te Anau and decertify conservation land.
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