Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific - Sandfly, Haast and Jackson Bay

Driving around South Island. Read some references to the Sandfly and how they can make things miserable. Should I take any special steps to avoid or deal with them. Are they like the mosquitios and are a evening/night issue....or what?????? Thanks

Yup sandflies can be a problem in some areas (mainly south island's west coast). While the bite is painless, you can end up covered in itchy bumps on any exposed areas of arms and legs. You can buy repellent at chemists (no prescription needed), supermarkets, etc.

People will often use the terms sandfly and mosquito interchangeably (although that's incorrect). Generally they are a problem in wetter areas, or anywhere with beech forest. In some areas they will swarm viciously around any exposed flesh - whatever you do, ensure you have some repellent. Unfortunately they are not confined to the evenings, if anything they are least active at night but go crazy during the day.

I find the spray repellents are the easiest to apply, but it comes in creams and sticks as well. Any pharmacy will sell them - make sure you have a supply or they can make your life a misery.