What makes us, us!

Since 2012, Around The Basin has been at the heart of the Queenstown Trail, helping thousands of riders experience one of New Zealand’s most beautiful cycling networks. With decades of local riding behind us, we know every twist, turn, and hidden gem of the Whakatipu Basin — knowledge we love to share.
What sets us apart isn’t just our experience, but our approach. We’re proudly Kiwi-owned and operated, combining local insight with a friendly, down-to-earth attitude. From the moment you walk into our shop to the time you roll back in from the trail, our team makes sure your ride is smooth, memorable, and uniquely Queenstown.
This isn’t just our business — it’s our backyard and our passion. Come ride with the most experienced team on the Queenstown Trail and see why we love it here.

Community Involvement 

As a proud local business, we understand the value of supporting the community that supports us. Over the years, we’ve partnered with organisations and individuals across the Whakatipu, giving back in ways that make a real difference.

We’re an Official Partner of the Queenstown Trails Trust, the organisation behind NZ’s most popular Great Ride, helping to maintain and grow this world-class network. Our General Manager, Steve, also dedicates much of his spare time to groups like the Queenstown Kayak Club, often found coaching on the lake when he’s not out riding.

In 2024, we launched our Bike Giveaway, gifting 40 ex-rental bikes to locals who needed them most — promoting well-being, sustainable transport, and a healthier community.

We’re also proud to support multisport athlete Simone Maier, an inspiring role model who encourages the next generation, especially young women, to live active and adventurous lives.

 Staff Wellbeing

At Around The Basin, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We’ve built a workplace culture that puts staff wellbeing first, knowing that when our team feels supported and valued, it flows through to the experience we deliver for our riders.

We encourage everyone to shape their role around their strengths, interests, and passions – creating an open, inclusive environment where ideas are shared, and individuality is celebrated. Flexibility is a cornerstone of how we work, allowing our team to balance their jobs with the adventurous lifestyle that makes Queenstown so special.

Living here means embracing the outdoors, and our staff make the most of it. You’ll find us skiing before breakfast in winter, hitting bike trails on summer evenings, or simply soaking up the landscapes we’re lucky enough to call home.

For us, staff wellbeing isn’t just a policy – it’s a way of life, and it’s what makes our team such a strong, connected crew both on and off the trail.

Safety First

Safety is our top priority. Every bike in our fleet is maintained and serviced in-house by experienced mechanics to ensure peak performance. Before every ride, we assess trails for potential hazards and provide riders with clear guidance to stay in control at all times.

While mountain biking carries inherent risks, all our guides and drivers are First Aid certified and trained to respond quickly in any situation. Our Gold Qualmark Award recognises our ongoing commitment to health and safety, reflecting the high standards we maintain across our business.

With Around The Basin, you can focus on enjoying the ride, confident that every measure has been taken to keep you safe.

Environmental Sustainability

 

We’re proud to operate in ways that protect Queenstown’s incredible landscapes –  from mountain vistas and pristine waterways to native bush – so future generations can enjoy them as we do today.

We minimise waste wherever possible, with plastic and cardboard recycling at our bike workshops and retail shop. In 2025, we joined the CRUNCH metal recycling programme through the Lightfoot Initiative, repurposing unwanted aluminum and steel into new products.

We also support Bee The Change, helping restore bee populations in the Whakatipu Basin and aiding pollination of native plants. Our sponsored beehive contributes to a healthy local ecosystem.

When rental bikes reach the end of their service, we sell them locally, extending their lifespan and keeping them out of landfill. After all, riding a bike is inherently good for the planet.

We follow the Tiaki Promise, New Zealand’s commitment to care for the land. We encourage visitors, locals, and our team to uphold these principles, protecting Aotearoa now and for the future.