The most common response to a sandfly bite is a raised red welt that itches horribly usually in the middle of the night!

As an American, I've experienced first timer's disbelief that such a creature exists and can cause so much discomfort. (see Welcome to NZ)

Many Kiwis just grow up with sandflies (even referring to them somewhat affectionately as "the sandies") as a fact of life and don't even realize how iconic and horrible they can be to visitors. There is a wide range of reactions possible to sandfly bites. If you are new to sandflies, you may find that you are "sweet", in other words the sandflies like you better than they like the locals. If there are quite a few bites, the whole area can swell. This itching can last off and on for several days. Scratching extends the healing time and can cause infection.

People often find that they respond less badly over months as their bodies get used to processing the bites, and can actually reach a mythical state where you have almost no mark and no itching with bites. This is small comfort if you are visiting Milford Sound for the day. It's enough to drive the most brave natural souls to consider applying chemical bug repellents. Natural repellent and bite soother, Goodbye Sandfly is made to deal with the sandflies. In addition, the best defense against getting sandfly and mosquito bites is to dress well.