Sandfly Point

Overview

Sandfly Point is the Milford Track’s finish line: a tiny jetty and shelter tucked where the Arthur River meets Milford Sound. It’s not a standalone destination so much as a moment—equal parts triumph, scenery, and swatting at bitey little namesakes.

What You’ll See

Step onto the jetty for a last look at Fiordland’s drama: forested riverbanks opening to the fiord and, on clear moments, classic views toward Mitre Peak. It’s a short, simple space—just enough to frame the landscape and wait for your boat out.

Why It’s Special

Everyone who walks the Milford Track ends here, which gives Sandfly Point a celebratory buzz. You share the shelter with newly minted finishers and day hikers, swapping stories while watching the fiord. The perspective from this side of Milford Sound is a little different from the usual roadside viewpoints—earned, not driven.

Facilities & Logistics

There’s a basic day shelter with toilets and a rain-fed water tank (treat water before drinking). No road access, no store, no frills. You’ll need a pre-booked boat transfer to/from Milford Sound—missing it means more quality time with sandflies.

Day Walk Option

Not doing the full track? Use the boat transfer from Milford Sound to Sandfly Point and walk the lush section to Giant Gate Falls. It’s a popular out-and-back that gives you a taste of the Milford Track without the multi-day commitment.

Wildlife

Birdlife flits through the surrounding forest, but the headliners are, honestly, the sandflies. Expect them in force whenever you step outside the shelter. In the wider fiord you might spot marine life, but Sandfly Point itself is about the river mouth and forest edge.

A Bit of History

The smooth, wide feel of the track’s final kilometers isn’t an accident—parts of this last section were built with prison labor in the late 19th century, a practical legacy you’ll notice as the path levels off toward the finish.

Best Time to Visit

Come when your boat transfer is booked—this is all about timing. If you’re day hiking to Giant Gate Falls, pick a slot that gives you ample daylight for the return. For photos from the jetty, have your camera ready and keep it quick; the sandflies don’t pose politely.

Need-to-Know

• Bring strong insect repellent and/or a head net.
• Don’t rely on the shelter for comfort—it’s just a waiting room.
• Treat water from the tank or bring your own supply.
• Build buffer time into your plan so you don’t miss the boat.