Sandfly

New Zealand has a sandfly problem — and according to Māori legend, it’s entirely intentional. The god Tu-te-raki-whanoa carved out the breathtaking landscape of Fiordland, and the scenery was so stunning that people just stopped working and stood around staring. The goddess Hinenuitepo, unimpressed with this level of productivity, released sandflies to get people moving again. After our trip to Milford Sound, I have nothing but respect for her strategy.