Sim Lab: Flying New Zealand’s Fiordland by Beaver Bushplane

MSFS2024 allows backcountry exploration of the country’s national park.

Sean Siff

Monday, July 06, 2026 at 08:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

The approach into Martins Bay Aerodrome is a fun challenge with little room for error. [Credit: Sean Siff/MSFS2024]

Key Takeaways:

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 offers a realistic platform for virtual pilots to explore remote and challenging real-world geographies, such as New Zealand's Fiordland region.
The author details an immersive simulated flight using an amphibious DHC-2 Beaver, navigating difficult backcountry airstrips like Quintin Lodge and performing multiple challenging landings at Martins Bay Aerodrome.
The experience highlights the adventure of exploring new digital landscapes and the versatility of certain aircraft for accessing diverse and tricky terrains within the simulator.

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For many U.S. pilots, New Zealand is a country we’d love to explore by air, but few of us have had the opportunity to travel there. If you’ve always wanted to fly in the South Pacific country but haven’t had the chance, it’s possible to experience it digitally by using Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 (MSFS2024).

I’ve been flying on MSFS2024 since a major update in fall 2025 brought the needed stability to the title. Using Microsoft’s extensive location data and AI capability, MSFS2024 has mapped the world’s geography, allowing access to some of the most remote destinations from the comfort of your home sim.