Before we came here I read that Sand Flies were a pain, abundant in the South Island and nasty ankle biters or any exposed flesh, day or night. Of course, we’d never seen one before but have duly bought smelly insect repellant but never applied it until two days ago.

Stupidly we both had it in our heads that Sandflies were big things and maybe similar to Mosquitos.

Imagine our surprise when we were told what we were calling midges are in fact Sandflies. Nasty little biters they are too, and they swarm around you settle and feast. Alcohol in the blood fails to stop them as does garlic and thickly applied insect repellant.

In this picture I’ve two on my leg already, we swiftly retreated in after this since we were under full attack.

Apparently further south gets worse. Bring it on, we will lather up with sunscreen, insect repellant and squish them when they land.

[Posted from Mrs Foggs super cool iphone]