Exploring Aotearoa

[Cpt_Piett 4,814]

The thing I like best about MSFS is exploring different parts of the world in different aircraft. For the last couple of weeks I've been flying in New Zealand. The country is absolutely perfect for GA flying, with its varied landscapes and challenging airfields. I was lucky to have fair weather for the whole trip except the final descent into Christchurch with a cloud base of 400ft and reduced visibility. 

I started at Kaitaia, the northernmost airport on the North Island. After a sightseeing trip around Auckland and a very hazardous landing at NZKE Waiheke (610m strip surrounded by thick forest), I followed the Eastern coastline for a while before stopping at Rotorua, then flying past Mount Ruapehu on the way to Wellington. 

I then crossed over to the South Island from Wellington to Nelson, then went south down the West Coast, crossing the Alps from Franz Josef to Mount Cook. Naturally I had to visit Milford Sound, and eventually I went all the way south to Invercargill then up North via Queenstown and Glentanner, ending in Christchurch. 

Departure at dawn from Kaitaia to Auckland in the DA62:

Fast and low in the Bonanza V35 on the way to Waiheke:

The stunning North Island coastline near Pauanui Beach

Approaching Takaka, South Island in the excellent Van's RV-14:

Final approach into Karamea:

Heading South from Karamea to Murchison: 

The majestic Southern Alps on the way from Lake Haupiri to Franz Josef:

Crossing the Alps from Franz Josef to Mount Cook:

Departing from Mount Cook to Milford Sound visiting Haast, Makarora and Martins Bay:

Crosswind leg coming into Haast:

Getting ready for departure at Milford Sound: 

Over the remote wilderness of the Southern part of South Island en route to Te Anau: 

From Te Anau to Invercargill: 

Visual approach via Lake Wakatipu into Queenstown: 

Departing Queenstown in the G36 Bonanza: 

At Glentanner with Aoraki / Mount Cook in the distance:

Over Lake Tekapo on the last flight, en route to Christchurch: 

[John F 2,452]

New Zealand's never looked better!

John

[johnbow72 2,722]

Amazing shots !! . 

[P_7878 6,737]

Beautiful and vibrant collection of images out of NZ...thanks for sharing...!!

[bernd1151 5,981]

Marvelous shots!! Your colors look so natural, do you use any special program to enhance the images?

[Cpt_Piett 4,814]

1 hour ago, bernd1151 said:

Marvelous shots!! Your colors look so natural, do you use any special program to enhance the images?

Thanks! Yes I use ReShade. There's a thread on it with lots of information if you want to give it a go: 

 

Edited September 25, 2022 by Cpt_Piett

[Zangoose 1,633]

I did a bit of Kodiak 100 flying in New Zealand and it was wonderful. Great screenshots!

Edited September 25, 2022 by Zangoose

[Alaska738 8,497]

Gorgeous shots! 😉