Hi Everyone,
We're planning to arrive early October in Queenstown from the U.S. After recovering from jet lag we want to hike/tramp the Milford Track or the Kepler Track. I'm interested to know if one is better then the other regarding the sand flies I've read about.
Thanks!

Hey Travelitch -

now is that just a coincidence that you're asking about sand flies and you have "itch" in your screen name?!

ah, sand flies - hate 'em. The bottom line is that you can find them anywhere there's water, and I've even been inland and seen them (maybe there was a stream or something I did't see).

I think it's probably a personal preference as to which Track is better, but more imporantly, Milford gets all the "press" and consequently, gets booked up early because there's only so many people allowed at one time. I've had to have clients "settle" for Kepler or Routeburn because Milford was full. That said, they were happy with both of those.

Hope this is helpful!

Melodie
Certified Kiwi Specialist

Early October is still "winter tramping" season on both tracks. Tracks are only open based upon weather and track conditions and huts have no fuel for cooking. You also may not be able to cross MacKinnon Pass on the Milford Track that early depending upon the snow conditions. The DOC also takes out some of the bridges during the winter season. Sandflies are just things you deal with. Unless you're into winter hiking, I'd go hiking at the north end of the South Island that early in the season.

Sincere thanks for your responses. I think we've made a serious error in timing our trip. So that is why the airfare was so cheap!!!! I guess "average" temp in Queenstown does not work for the Park. Back to the drawing board.