Aircraft used: Default 32N, LVFR 320, AT7, PMDG 738
Live weather: on
NOTE: I’m reviewing these together since many people are likely to buy them as a bindle due to the discount.
Flightbeam are a respected developer who have a bit of a reputation for taking their time creating and releasing sceneries. Like FlyTampa, people get excited about each release, knowing that many months of diligent research and work will have gone into making them.
NZAA and NZWN come in a bundle, which reduces the total price by a few pounds compared to buying them separately. Since most will not want one without the other, I’m guessing the majority of sales are of the bundle.
DETAIL
Both sceneries are quite old now, in MSFS terms, and it is beginning to show in the lower-res texturing. That said, they’re fine when viewed from the flightdeck, and Flightbeam have an almost unique knack of creating their textures with incredible realism. Of all the renowned devs, they create the most authentic textures — every building looks almost photoreal, with just the right amount of weathering. You never see those ‘cartoonish’ looks associated with many devs, that make the buildings fit rather awkwardly into their surroundings. One effect they seem particularly apt at is creating ‘frosted’ effects on windows, giving them the kind of weathered look you’d expect, being constantly exposed to the elements.
Both airports have some good detail extending well back from the airside areas. NZWN’s tower, for instance, is located in a retail park(!), which Flightbeam have faithfully recreated. At NZAA, you’ll see many buildings and structures as you head into the city — it really is decent attention to detail, well outside the airport boundaries.
Apron textures are first-class. Every repair, every tyre mark, every oil spill… complete with some outstanding reflective effects. Ground markings are good — not too garish, not too muted. Wellington in particular has a superb sense of realism about it (‘moody’ is the word), although that’s likely down to the real-world airport rather than Auckland being inferior. The aprons are brimming with custom clutter and you’ll see custom ops and security vehicles driving around.
Where both airports fall short in 2023 is terminal interior modelling. Perhaps unimportant to some but NZWN is the better of the two; however it’s all quite low-res and the internal lighting is poor. There’s a huge model eagle dangling from the ceiling in NZWN’s main concourse but it’s very hard to see with so little illumination. There is a little 3D modelling in each but the majority of interior textures are simple 2D overlays, which don’t look particularly good.
PERFORMANCE
Pre-SU13 both caused me problems, however stability wasn’t the worst I’ve seen, given how complex these airports are. Possibly marginally below average in 2023 but Su13 has helped a bit. Both will still black screen with excessive drone and exterior view use, and if you continue for too long during black screen incidents, both will likely CTD. I will say, though, that crashes are manageable.
As for how they run, I’ve suffered very few stutters. The vast majority of my flights to and from both have been buttery smooth, even when the bulk fo the detail has been displayed on screen.
VERDICT
When released, these airports were top-notch. And they still hold up well today, although of course their appeal will wane with time as they become increasingly outdated. But the authenticity of those textures is something no one will be able to take away from Flightbeam. Some devs have rivalled them, but not as consistently. If you’re not too bothered about flying in and out of two of New Zealands’ biggest hubs (the only other international airport in the country is Christchurch) I wouldn’t say these sceneries are must-haves. They’re not particularly cheap, even as a bundle, but I think they just about manage to justify their current price. Of the two, Wellington is definitely the better, likely because a smaller airport can be more detailed. It’s also situated in a more scenic part of the country, making operations that bit more interesting.
Of course if you’re a New Zealand native, or fly a lot in NZ, they’re absolutely essential. Whatever your reasons for buying these airports, I doubt you’ll be disappointed. But there are slight stability issues with both, and Flightbeam have never been a dev to quickly patch their work (if ever).
If this bundle were a high school report, it would read, “Good, but could do better”.
NZAA IMAGES
NZWN IMAGES
The model eagle, dangling from the ceiling in the main concourse. Perhaps a waste of detail, given the poor internal lighting.
