The township of Lake Tekapo is often referred to as simply Tekapo to avoid confusion with the lake where it is located. It started to grow after the construction of hydropower stations in the 1940s.

Mount John University Observatory is located on a small hill nearby. The location was selected for its very clear atmosphere, large number of clear sky nights, and relative freedom from light pollution. It was originally built by the University of Pennsylvania, when it was looking for a southern hemisphere location. It is now operated by the University of Canterbury.

The Church of the Good Shepherd was built in 1935. It is one of the most photographed churches in New Zealand. It features an altar window that frames views of the lake and mountains.

Runway that departs in the direction of the flight plan: 29

Distance: 6 miles

No navigation or GPS instruments are required; simply follow the on-screen markers.

Do not engage the copilot or autopilot. They may alter or suppress waypoints.

MSFS settings for the best experience with this flight plan: Options > Assistance Options >

  • Piloting > AI Radio Communications (ATC) > Off (required to properly display the waypoints)
  • Navigation Aids > Route and Waypoints > On
  • Points of Interest > Landmark Markers > On
  • Points of Interest > City Markers = Off (optional - declutters the screen)
  • Points of Interest > Display Direction to Chosen POI > Off (disables confusing destination marker during flight)
  • Points of Interest > Display All Labels > Off
  • User Experience > ATC Enforce Flight Plan > On (prevent current conditions from overriding selected runway number)

How to Use This Flight Plan

  • Unzip the downloaded file into any folder.
  • The flight plan is the file that has the “ .pln ” filename extension.
  • MSFS > Welcome tab > World Map > Press Spacebar twice (More > Load) > Load From ...
  • Navigate to where you saved the flight plan and select it.
  • In the "From" airport, select the departure runway (provided in this description, above).
  • Click on the Flight Conditions window at the top right to adjust time and month.
  • Click on "Fly" at the bottom right of the screen.