Danish man dead after hunting accident in New Zealand

Local police say hunter died after falling from a high desert ridge

A 26-year-old Danish man died in New Zealand last week on Friday following a hunting accident.

Local police identified the man as Nicolaj Brun, originally from Copenhagen. Brun fell from a high ridge while hunting in the desert.

“The police would like to express their sympathy for the man’s family and friends at this tragic time,” said local police.

A high ridge
Brun was hunting with a friend from Christchurch when he fell from Gunn Ridge on New Zealand’s west coast, which is described by the authorities as a very high and treacherous ridge.

Brun’s friend set off a locator beacon immediately after the fall, but his injuries were just too severe. Bad weather prevented the authorities from retrieving Brun’s body until Saturday.

READ MORE: Hundreds of Danes die abroad every year

New Zealand media spoke with hunting guides from the area who said the region where Brun lost his life was particularly dangerous.

“It is a steep area,” said guide Marcus Pinney. “It’s really not an area anyone should hunt in. It’s not safe.”

Dangerous area
The New Zealand Mountain Safety Council said that nearly one third of its hunting deaths are due to falls.

The Danish Foreign Ministry confirmed that a man had died and that his relatives have been informed.




  • The international who shaped Copenhagen

    The international who shaped Copenhagen

    Anna Maria Indrio is one of the most important architects in Denmark, having contributed to shaping Copenhagen into what it is today. Among her best-known projects are the extension of SMK and Arken, as well as the Natural History Museum and the Darwin Centre in London. She moved here 60 years ago, when “Copenhagen was gray and dormant. Predictions suggested it would become depopulated. But putting people at the center changed everything,” she said

  • Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Fees were raised to reflect processing costs and curb repeat applications, creating debate over whether the new charges erect barriers to political participation for internationals.

  • Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    According to a report by the Danish Chamber of Commerce, internationals’ contribution is 12% of the country’s GDP. In 2023, it was 322 billion DKK, and in 2008, it was 136 billion DKK. “Internationals make a gigantic difference in our prosperity and welfare,” comments Morten Langager, the Director of Dansk Erhverv.

  • Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    With half of its staff being international, the BioInnovation Institute reflects Denmark’s broader transformation into a global innovation hub. But can the country—and Europe—keep up the pace? “If reforms are made now, we can close the gap in ten years,” explains BII’s CEO

  • Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Two months ago, the Danish PM announced that military equipment should be purchased in a hurry. The first plans for the sea are now ready. Additional plans for warships will follow this summer.

  • International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    Many internationals come to Denmark to work as designers, but the field appears to be one of the hardest to break into. The Copenhagen Post spoke with two internationals struggling to find their way into the industry.

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.