Did a flight today in live weather from Auckland to Wellington in the TBM930. First time in NZ in the sim but I was there on a holiday many years ago. I remember having a rental car and exploring the beautiful island, trekking near Mt Ruapehu, partying with locals in Rotorua and sleeping in a tent on a very scenic beach in Coromandel national park.
Overflying the very scenic Tongariro National Park with the active volcanos Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Ruapehu
Outbound from Palmerston North after a VOR approach to rwy 25. It seems DME arcs are used in several airports in NZ - gives a bit of extra challenge.
Overflying Tararua forest park in winds over 40kts - could sense some fatigue after a while in strong turbulence, just as I did in real life when doing my PPL in Australia. It seemed very convincing.
Here I am on the 15DME arc inbound for Wellington rwy 34 in still heavy wind and turbulence - but some very pretty scenery I have to admit. It was a relief to have less turbulence as I cleared those hills.
On final approach in wind from north at 25-30kt into Windy Wellington. Luckily almost no crosswind. Realistic looking waves.
Edit: inadvertently had South Island in the title, which is embarrassing but luckily got a friendly reminder. Sorry if I offended any Kiwis