New Zealander dies in base-jumping accident in Switzerland

The New Zealand man has died while base-jumping on Stockhorn, in the Bernese Alps. Photo / File

A 37-year-old New Zealand man is dead following a base-jumping accident in Switzerland, according to reports from Swiss police.

A press release issued by Bern Cantonal police said the accident happened late on Thursday afternoon.

Three people had been involved in the base-jump at Stockhorn - a mountain of the Bernese Alps.

The operation started around 4pm. The man found himself in difficulty during the descent, then fell on rough terrain.

Two people accompanying the man alerted a Rega helicopter, which rushed to the area to search for the man.

A Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesman said they were providing consular assistance to the dead man's family.

An investigation is under way to clarify the circumstances around the death.