Introducing the Around The Basin Crew
This page is all about us — the people behind the bikes. We’re a small, passionate team who love Queenstown, love riding, and love sharing these trails with our customers. Scroll through to see our photos, get to know us a little better, and check out some of the adventures we get up to when we’re not out on the trail with you.
Steve
Steve Norton settled in Queenstown 28 years ago, originally attracted by the skiing and white-water kayaking, but stayed for the beauty and diversity of the town. He established NZ’s largest paragliding school and flew tandem-paragliders for 12 years. Steve has also owned a restaurant and managed both bus and gas companies. Now, as General Manager of Around The Basin, he helps to oversee day-to-day operations of the business. In his spare time he teaches kayaking and enjoys competing in bike and multi-sport races. With his partner, Lisa Cooper, he has two children: Isabella and Isaac.
Lisa
Lisa was born in Queenstown and spent her early childhood here. Some would say this town never leaves the blood, as after a couple of sojourns first in Wellington and then in Australia, Lisa returned to settle here 25 years ago. She has always enjoyed the outdoors, and keeps fit through running, biking, and skiing. Lisa’s role at Around The Basin encompasses all of her interests and allows her to enjoy the amazing environment we are fortunate enough to live in…. what more could you ask for?
Hamish
Originally from the North Island of New Zealand, Hamish is stoked to now call Queenstown his home. After completing his degree at Otago University he moved to Wanaka to pursue his passion for multi-sport racing. After 3 years of elite racing, both in New Zealand and overseas, Hamish made the move to Queenstown to take up a position as Around The Basin’s first full time employee in 2016. He now spends his free time exploring the mountains of the South Island, climbing, flying paragliders, and trail running.
Izzy
Izzy was born and raised in Queenstown, so a love for the mountains and the outdoors has always been part of who she is. She’s been part of the ATB fam on and off since the early days, but officially made her way back in 2020. These days, you’ll find her either behind the camera capturing our content, or in the shop helping people hit the Queenstown Trail. When she’s not at work, she’s out exploring the mountains with her dog, Kyla.
Damon
Damon grew up in Perth, Australia. After a taste of mountain life living in the Rockies of Canada, he relocated to Queenstown in 2021. When not guiding or driving our customers, he is making the most of the local terrain Queenstown and the Southern Alps has to offer – whether that is hiking, biking, running, or climbing.
Cerys
Cerys is originally from Scotland and arrived in New Zealand in 2023. After a bit of travelling, she settled in Queenstown in 2024, drawn to the even bigger mountains and the outdoor lifestyle. She joined the ATB crew not long after, and you’ll now find her in the shop getting people geared up for their next trail adventure. When she’s not at work, she’s most likely at the gym or up on the slopes snowboarding.
Dan
Dan’s one of our drivers and a guy who’s always got something on the go. In winter, he works in ski shops; in summer, he’s helping people get out on the trails. He’s into snowboarding, running, hitting the gym, and gaming. You can also check out his campervans on Camplify to explore more of the South Island.
Kyla
Meet Kyla, a tri merle Border Collie with a love for rags, napping, and mountain walks. She enjoys hanging out in the shop with her favourite humans. While she sometimes likes pats, she mostly loves a good game of fetch.
Owen
Owen, originally from Sydney, made the move to Queenstown to chase his passion for downhill mountain biking. He’s the guy behind the scenes making sure every bike is dialled and ready to ride — keeping things running smoothly for everyone heading out on the trails. When he’s not in the workshop, you’ll find him doing laps at Skyline or out on the water with a fishing rod in hand.
Tom
Tom joined the Around The Basin crew in March 2025. Originally from New Plymouth, he grew up on a farm and brings that classic Kiwi work ethic to the team. You’ll find Tom behind the wheel, driving riders out to the start of their adventures on the trails — always up for a chat and a laugh along the way.When he’s not at work, he’s usually out playing frisbee golf, or making the most of summer on the Queenstown trails.
Aoife
Meet Aoife, Originally from the Emerald Isle, Aoife grew up surrounded by mountains, lakes, and trails — so it’s no surprise she’s all about the outdoors. After a few months of travelling, she made her way to Queenstown and joined Around The Basin in April. When she’s not in the shop getting you out on the trail, she’s on the slopes, hiking, or off exploring more of New Zealand.
Life at Around The Basin
We love our jobs, but we also love getting out and having fun together! Whether it’s skiing before breakfast, hitting the bike trails, or exploring Queenstown’s incredible outdoors, our team knows how to make the most of every moment.
These moments away from work aren’t just about adventure — they strengthen our tight-knit team and fuel the passion we bring to sharing Queenstown’s trails with our customers. Here’s a glimpse of what we get up to when we get the chance to hang out together.
