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 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?

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 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 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 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.

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, 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.