According to Māori legend, Tu-te-raki-whanoa was a deity who formed Fiordland by carving the coastline with his mighty ax. His masterful seascape was complete at Milford Sound. It is claimed Resolution Island adjacent to Acheron Passage shown here is actually one of the great god’s footprints. Livid over the beautiful seascape, the revengeful goddess of death, Te-Hine-nui-to-po, released sandflies to prevent habitation. The Māori name for these nasty insects is Te namu meaning “little devils.” The curse worked. Fiordland is virtually free of human population except for visiting tourists. And the female blackflies are waiting for them. These blood-thirsty critters cause swelling plus itching and can ruin the enjoyment of the most picturesque scenery.
