Our People
Antarctic Expeditions was established and is operated by expedition leaders. We are not just another sales company but rather a travel company of experienced specialists in expedition and small ship cruising. This is our passon, what we know best and in turn what we recommend for our guests. After more than 20 years creating and leading expeditions aboard many of the ships found on this website and in our brochure, we have learned first-hand what works and what doesn't, our experience makes us uniquely placed to find the voyage that best suits you.
Our Team
Aaron Russ
Expedition Leader
Aaron has been visiting and leading expedition voyages to Antarctica and the islands of the Southern Ocean for 30 years. Over the years he has seen and experienced the beauty, wilderness and wildlife that Antarctica offers, from researching its wildlife to taking travellers on voyages of a lifetime he has an unrivalled appreciation for the region and opportunities, he looks forward to sharing his knowledge and expertise with you when choosing the voyage of a lifetime.
Ellen Batchelor
Reservation Specialist
Ellen's passion for travel began when she started backpacking with friends which lead her to the industry with an eagerness to make some money in order to keep travelling! Ellen's been in the industry for 15+ years. Her previous experience includes hotel reservations in York (UK), flight attendant around NZ & the Pacific Islands and working in Whistler (Canada). Ellen enjoys walking, netball, swimming and weekends at home with her young family.
Kylie Dumbleton
Reservation Specialist
With over 10 years’ experience in the industry, Kylie has matched many travellers with their dream small ship cruise, “I’m passionate about helping travellers find the experience they are looking for,” explains Kylie.
Tomasa Demarchi
Reservation Specialist
Tomasa has always loved travelling and figured out pretty quickly if you're not on holiday yourself, the next best thing is spending time planning travel for others! Tomasa has been in the industry for over 20 years. In January 2019 Tomasa travelled to Antarctica which "was an amazing opportunity and it has just made me want to experience more of the world on a expedition ship!"
Sarah Porter
Partnerships Manager
I always joked I was 'solar powered' and allergic to snow, preferring the tropics over the mountains but Antarctica changed that for me and it's certainly somewhere like nowhere else on earth. Despite my sunny past, I eagerly seized the chance to visit Antarctica on Ponant’s Le Soleal. The journey, from seamless boarding to thrilling encounters with wildlife and dramatic ice landscapes, left me deeply enchanted. Highlights included zodiac cruising, observing diverse wildlife, and experiencing exceptional hospitality. As our Expedition Leader noted, "You haven’t done Antarctica. You have lived just a little bit of it." Now, returning to Antarctica tops my bucket list.
Neil Saunders
Business Development
With over 18 years of experience in the travel industry, Neil has ventured to some of the most remarkable and diverse destinations around the globe. However, one destination stands out above all others for him: Antarctica. "Antarctica holds a special place in my heart," Neil explains. "It's as if you're stepping onto another planet. The landscape is an endless expanse of white, a pristine wilderness that is untouched and untamed. The sheer scale and beauty of the icebergs, the silence broken only by the distant crack of ice, it’s awe-inspiring. But what makes Antarctica truly unique is the wildlife. The penguins, seals, and even the occasional whale are incredibly curious. They approach us with a sense of wonder, almost as if they are just as fascinated by us as we are by them."
Noreen Rhodes
Accountant
Noreen is an experienced finance manager with a passion for turning numbers into meaningful insights. With experience across a diverse range of industries—including manufacturing, event management and education — Noreen loves diving into the financial details that drive growth and performance. She believes that making sense of the figures is not just about balancing the books; it's about uncovering opportunities that help the company thrive. When she is not crunching numbers, you can find her enjoying the outdoors or charting her next travel adventure.
Nyssa Erskine
Marketing, Communications & Sales Specialist
As a former magazine editor, Nyssa loves a good travel story whether it’s making her own or hearing the adventures of others. Having kicked off her career interning at Lonely Planet in Melbourne, Nyssa soon caught the travel bug, and has backpacked through Europe and Asia, “but there are many places still on the bucket list,” she says… For now Nyssa, who recently relocated from Australia, is happily discovering the sights of New Zealand by way of road trips, camping expeditions (thankfully without the snakes, spiders or crocs!) and tramps into the hills.
Tonia Kraakman
Online Content Coordinator
Tonia has been part of the industry since 2013, thriving within an adventurous community. Travel has always fascinated her, and she has long felt drawn to this field. Based in Alexandra, she enjoys capturing the scenic landscapes and natural beauty of Central Otago through her photography. She loves the outdoors, no matter the season, and is always excited for a new adventure.