Sandflies on South Island, New Zealand

Just been warned about the sandflies on the west coast of South Island and how vicious they can be. I gather that to repel them you either need to carry a penguin as bait or cover yourself in vegamite! How serious a problem are they likely to be in February?

Just been warned about the sandflies on the west coast of South Island and how vicious they can be. I gather that to repel them you either need to carry a penguin as bait or cover yourself in vegamite! How serious a problem are they likely to be in February?

Vegemite and Penguins are used as a precaution against Australian Drop Bears, not sure they work on Sandies in NZ. Dawn and Dusk is worst time for the little devils. in OZ we use Rid, however the locals will sell you a repellent that works.

Are you cruising or driving along the West Coast?

We were up on the Coromandel peninsula at Hot Water Beach, 5.00pm to 9.00pm, beach spa and restaurant afterwards, on the 6th December, a couple still itch now

Just been warned about the sandflies on the west coast of South Island and how vicious they can be. I gather that to repel them you either need to carry a penguin as bait or cover yourself in vegamite! How serious a problem are they likely to be in February?

They'll be out in full force! Make sure you have a good insect repellent and cover up where possible. They don't come aboard cruise ships though.

Another reason why Australia is better than New Zealand.

They have sand flies, WE have sharks and drop bears!

Are you cruising or driving along the West Coast?

We're doing a 10 day coach tour before cruising.

Vegemite and Penguins are used as a precaution against Australian Drop Bears, not sure they work on Sandies in NZ. Dawn and Dusk is worst time for the little devils. in OZ we use Rid, however the locals will sell you a repellent that works.

Thanks for the advice. I've heard hopping on one leg and saying words like sheila and crikey helps keep drop bears away.

We're doing a 10 day coach tour before cruising.

You will need insect repellent for the West Coast, especially Jacksons Bay.

Hope you will have a very enjoyable visit here in NZ.

Thanks for the advice. I've heard hopping on one leg and saying words like sheila and crikey helps keep drop bears away.

Hopping only works on the left leg Re Sandies if you do get nipped don't Scratch under any circumstances treat with an anti itch product like Stingoes,Scratching can turn the bites Septic

We did a 3-day hiking trip on the West Coast of NZ a number of years ago in the month of February and despite using an insect repellant recommended by the local chemist, my daughter and I were severely bitten by sandflies. It’s not something to be taken lightly. I recommend covering up as much of your body as possible, regularly applying a strong repellant and carrying a good antihistamine to take to relieve the pain of itching when you are bitten.

My thanks to everyone who's replied. We'll follow the advice and use strong repellent and cover up.

I copped bites on my ankles even tho I had leggings and socks on ! Pesky blighters. I ended up spraying my actual clothes with repellant as I don't like it on my skin. Worked well for rest of my stay in Invercargill.