Yet Nathan claimed he had been on the roofs of buildings higher than 40 storeys, had been arrested once, and had also sat on ledges.
He was introduced to what is called urban exploration, often termed urbex, as a 19-year-old when he and friends climbed a 10-storey-high water tank at the former Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital near Bulls.
After moving to Auckland, he first "roof-topped" the Mid City Centre in Queen St, and later sneaked up to the roof of a 12-storey backpackers hostel, where he dangled his legs over the edge.
"You looked down and it was that feeling of, if you fell, you could die ... it was exhilarating," he said.
"But at the same time, there was quite a rush because you weren't meant to be there. Someone else could come along."
One building he claimed his group had accessed a lot was the former Reserve Bank Building in Customs St.
"That one we went up a lot, and the police caught us in there once and told us to bugger off."
He said about 90 per cent of buildings they visited were unsecured, and rooftops could be accessed via lifts, fire exits or unlocked doors.
On the roof, the group would stay no longer than five minutes and take photographs.
"No matter where you went you'd always have the Sky Tower there, so we'd try to get the panoramas of the city and this would prove that we were there and we had got to the top first before anyone else."
He believed their actions were ultimately harmless.
"We don't steal anything when we are there. You might use a toilet but we are not criminals," he said.
"You keep doing it because it's a passion ... other people enjoy rugby, we really enjoy urban exploring."
When his gang were caught by police after being spotted on the roof of an abandoned building, they were let go with a warning.
Various global trends had come and gone, he said, including a phase in 2012 where roof-toppers would extend their legs out over ledges and take pictures. "Then in 2014, everyone was hanging off the ledge with one hand and yeah, I thought, I don't know if I'm game for that."
Nathan said the trio on the West Plaza Building were foolish to have sat precariously on that building's ledge for so long.
"The other younger guys in Auckland that I speak to, it's put them off and it's made them not want to go on roof-tops."
But Auckland City Police District Prevention Manager Inspector Gary Davey said police had serious concerns for anyone who took part in the practice.
"A person climbing to the top of a skyscraper to take a photo is not only endangering themselves, but also endangering the lives of others who come to their aid, including emergency services workers who may have to rescue them."
Mr Davey said those involved could face criminal charges "particularly if someone's life is put at risk".
