Routes — Sandfly Point

No rush from Dumpling to Sandfly Point — but do not be late for the boat or you will have angry hikers glaring at you. To be safe, stay ahead of the last of the guided hikers — who will have a guide with them.

On the other hand, there is no advantage in arriving early at Sandfly Point. It is not particularly scenic and it swarms with sandflies. Unbelievable!

Guided hikers stop part-way at the private Boatshed Shelter — but there is no room for independents unless you ask to use the small cloakroom there to hide from sandflies.

Take your time at wondrous Mackay Falls & Bell Rock.

Mackay Falls is named after the second European settler, Scotsman John Mackay. He actually won the chance to eponymously name the falls after himself in a coin toss with Sutherland. Mackay's victory turned out to be bad luck when the two reached the even more stupendous Sutherland Falls — named after the loser of the coin toss.

Many hikers, guided & independent, stop for lunch at Giant Gate Falls. Toilet & open-sided shelter provided.

The scenery is stunning at points. It becomes clear that the Milford Track follows the obvious (and original Maori track) from harbour, up the river, over McKinnon Pass to Lake Te Anau.

At the end of the Track, it is comic to watch smiling hikers trying to pose at the Sandfly Point sign while simultaneously slapping at hundreds of sandflies.

trail end sign decorated with discarded hiking boots

The boat departs Sandfly Point normally at 2:30 pm and 3:15 pm. (Your ticket will have the time marked clearly.) This allows you time to take a Milford Sound cruise and still catch a bus to Te Anau on the same day. No need to stay overnight in Milford Sound unless you wish to.

disembarking at Milford Sound town