Belgian tourist charged after BASE jump snagged on Auckland hotel
A 22-year-old Belgian national was charged by New Zealand police after his parachute became entangled on the exterior of the Hotel Indigo in Auckland, leaving him suspended 23 stories above a busy street. The incident occurred at approximately 10:42 p.m. on Tuesday night, according to police reports. The man was attempting a BASE jump from the building's 27th floor when his gear caught on the structure, triggering a rescue operation that required emergency crews to break through a glass panel valued at roughly $20,000 New Zealand dollars. Inspector Grae Anderson, the area commander for Auckland City, stated in a press release that Fire and Emergency New Zealand successfully freed the tourist, though the action caused significant damage to the hotel's exterior and disrupted the evening for guests staying at the property. Police confirmed the man was not injured and did not require medical treatment following his extraction. The suspect is scheduled to appear in Auckland District Court on October 27. Anderson noted that investigators believe this individual is the same person who filmed himself BASE jumping from a different Auckland building under construction in September. The inspector described the behavior as reckless, stating it poses risks to both the jumper and people on the ground. Anderson added that the man will remain in New Zealand to face the consequences of his actions rather than continuing his travel plans. Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, recorded approximately 2.3 million international visitor arrivals at its airport in the year ending November 2025, according to Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, the region's economic development and tourism organization. While BASE jumping involves parachuting from fixed objects like buildings or cliffs, specific regulations vary by location; for instance, the U.S. National Park Service stated in a 2024 memorandum that the activity is generally prohibited in national parks without authorization, though it may be permitted following a park planning process.
A 22-year-old Belgian national was charged by New Zealand police after his parachute became entangled on the exterior of the Hotel Indigo in Auckland, leaving him suspended 23 stories above a busy street. The incident occurred at approximately 10:42 p.m. on Tuesday night, according to police reports. The man was attempting a BASE jump from the building's 27th floor when his gear caught on the structure, triggering a rescue operation that required emergency crews to break through a glass panel valued at roughly $20,000 New Zealand dollars. Inspector Grae Anderson, the area commander for Auckland City, stated in a press release that Fire and Emergency New Zealand successfully freed the tourist, though the action caused significant damage to the hotel's exterior and disrupted the evening for guests staying at the property. Police confirmed the man was not injured and did not require medical treatment following his extraction. The suspect is scheduled to appear in Auckland District Court on October 27. Anderson noted that investigators believe this individual is the same person who filmed himself BASE jumping from a different Auckland building under construction in September. The inspector described the behavior as reckless, stating it poses risks to both the jumper and people on the ground. Anderson added that the man will remain in New Zealand to face the consequences of his actions rather than continuing his travel plans. Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, recorded approximately 2.3 million international visitor arrivals at its airport in the year ending November 2025, according to Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, the region's economic development and tourism organization. While BASE jumping involves parachuting from fixed objects like buildings or cliffs, specific regulations vary by location; for instance, the U.S. National Park Service stated in a 2024 memorandum that the activity is generally prohibited in national parks without authorization, though it may be permitted following a park planning process.