Flight simulation enthusiasts have something to be excited about as Microsoft has released its latest World Update, World Update XII. This update brings New Zealand to life with improved graphics, updated airports, and new landmarks.
New Zealand is a beautiful country with stunning landscapes, and this update aims to replicate that in the virtual world. From snow-capped mountains to rolling hills, and stunning coastlines, every aspect of New Zealand has been accurately recreated in Microsoft Flight Simulator.
For those who don’t know, New Zealand is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean consisting of two main landmasses, the North Island and the South Island. The country is known for its breathtaking scenery, diverse wildlife, and outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and water sports.
The update features improved graphics that take advantage of the latest technology to make the scenery even more realistic. The update also includes new 3D photogrammetry for cities like Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, making them more accurate than ever before. The airports in New Zealand have also been updated to include more details, such as ground markings and signage, to improve the overall experience of flying in the region.
In addition to the graphical improvements, the update also features new landmarks, including iconic locations like the Sky Tower in Auckland and the Southern Alps. These landmarks are now accurately recreated in the virtual world and can be explored by flying over them.
Release Notes
TIN (TRIANGULATED IRREGULAR NETWORK) CITIES:
- Auckland
- Christchurch
- Hamilton
- Nelson
- Queenstown
- Tauranga
- Wellington
POINTS OF INTEREST
- Akaroa Dolphins Cruise
- Akaroa St Patrick’s Catholic Church
- Akaroa Waterfront
- Auckland Harbour Bridge
- Auckland War Memorial Mus.
- Balclutha Road Bridge
- Beehive
- Big Lemon and Paeroa Bottle
- Cape Egmont Lighthouse
- Cape Reinga Lighthouse
- Cardrona Ski Resort
- Castle Point Lighthouse
- Christchurch Cathedral
- Coronet Peak Ski Area
- Cromwell Big Fruit Sculpture
- Dog Island Lighthouse
- Dunedin Law Courts
- Dunedin Railway Station
- Durie Hill Memorial Tower
- Edith Cavell Bridge
- Farewell Spit Lighthouse
- First Church of Otago
- Fo Guang Shan Temple
- Forsyth Barr Stadium
- Hell’s Gate
- Hobbiton Village Matamata
- Hole in the Rock
- Hopwood Clock Tower
- Huntly Power Station
- Invercargill Water Tower
- Kawarau Gorge Suspension Br.
- Kerikeri Mission Station
- Larnach Castle
- Majestic Centre
- Mohaka Viaduct
- Mount Cargill Transmitter
- Mount John Univ. Observatory
- Mount Kaukau Transmitter
- Mus. of NZ Te Papa Tongarewa
- New Plymouth Power Station
- New Zealand Parl. Library
- New Zealand Parliament House
- North Harbour Stadium
- Ohaaki Power Station
- Ohakune Carrot
- Otira Viaduct
- Rakaia Bridges (road and rail)
- Rugby League Park
- Sky Tower
- Skyline Queenstown
- Sugarloaf Transmitter
- Taiaroa Head Lighthouse
- Taramakau Road-Rail Bridge
- Tekapo A Power Station
- The Church of Good Shepard
- The Remarkables Ski Area
- Tiritiri Matangi Lighthouse
- Titahi Bay Transmitter
- Tiwai Point Aluminium Smelter
- TSS Earnslaw, Lake Wakatipu
- Waitangi Treaty Grounds
- Wellington Regional Stadium & Railway Station
HANDCRAFTED AIRPORTS:
- Gisborne Airport (NZGS)
- Milford Sound Airport (NZMF)
- Martins Bay Aerodrome (NZMJ)
- Gorge River Airstrip (NZQE)
- Rotorua Airport (NZRO)
- Lake Tekapo Airport (NZTL)
- Whangarei Airport (NZWR)
- Westport Airport (NZWS)
- Quintin Lodge Airstrip (T004)
BUSH TRIPS:
- New Zealand’s North Island in a Textron Aviation Beechcraft Bonanza G36
- New Zealand’s South Island in a Pilatus PC-6/B2-H4 Turbo Porter G950
- A historic recreation of the country’s first air route in a Douglas DC-3 Classic
DISCOVERY FLIGHTS:
- Auckland, the country’s largest city, in a Cessna 152
- Queenstown in a Guimbal Cabri G2 helicopter
- Lake Benmore in a DG Aviation DG-1001E neo glider
LANDING CHALLENGES:
- A strong wind landing at Wellington Airport (NZWN) in an Airbus A320neo
- An epic landing at the Ryan’s Creek Aerodrome (NZRC) in a Cessna 172 Skyhawk
- A technical landing at Gorge River Airstrip (NZQE) in a Savage Cub
- A famous challenge in an Airbus A310-300 at Christchurch Airport (NZCH).
One of the key features of this update is the addition of the DHC-4 Caribou, a rugged military transport aircraft that was used extensively during the Vietnam War. The DHC-4 Caribou is a short takeoff and landing aircraft that is perfect for exploring the rugged terrain of New Zealand.
This update is a must-have for anyone who loves Microsoft Flight Simulator or is interested in exploring New Zealand from the comfort of their own home. The improved graphics and new landmarks make the virtual world even more realistic, and the addition of the DHC-4 Caribou adds a new level of excitement to the experience.
World Update XII: New Zealand is available now in the Microsoft Flight Simulator. So, grab your joystick and get ready to explore the beautiful country of New Zealand from the comfort of your own home.
