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.

Hywel, from Wales in the UK, made the move to New Zealand more than a decade ago to explore the great outdoors. Queenstown was the natural place to settle, with great access to the wilderness and adventures right on the doorstep.

When not at work, he can be found running over hilly trails or hiking around the nearby mountains that we get to call home.

After exploring the world, Eli moved to Queenstown 3 years ago. Originally from Whangarei, he has swapped the beaches for the mountains and has been enjoying everything they have to offer.

His spare time is spent riding bikes, walking up steep hills for days at a time, skiing, and falling off cliffs while attached to ropes!

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 one of our friendly shop team. From the other side of the world, she made the move from Scotland at the end of last year. She was drawn to Queenstown for its even bigger mountains and outdoor lifestyle.

Outside of work, you will find her at the gym or snowboarding on the slopes for the first time this winter!

A well-known face around Queenstown, Dan is one of our shop team who is always happy to help. Originally from Geelong in Australia, Dan came over for a winter season and loved it so much he never left. Whether it’s on the slopes, running the Queenstown trails, or having a beer in town, Dan makes friends wherever he goes.

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.