New Zealand Expedition - 23 days
New Zealand Expedition - 23 days
New Zealand Expedition - 23 days
23 Days Starting in Auckland, New Zealand and ending in Christchurch, New Zealand
Visiting: Auckland, Bay of Islands, Russell, Whitianga, Rotorua, Napier, Wellington, Nelson, Fox Glacier, Mt Aspiring National Park, Wanaka, Te Anau, Fiordland National Park, Queenstown, Twizel, Christchurch
Tour operator:
Tour code:
1621/NZE
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 16
Age range:
18-
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a 23-day New Zealand Expedition, a journey through the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cultures of this stunning country. Begin in Auckland, where you can explore the city's beaches and culture at your leisure. Discover the historic town of Russell in the Bay of Islands, and enjoy panoramic views from the Driving Creek Railway on the Coromandel Peninsula. In Rotorua, experience geothermal wonders and Maori culture, with options to visit the Waimangu Volcanic Valley or the Hobbiton Movie Set. Savor wine and dinner at Napier's Mission Estate Winery, and explore Wellington's national museum. Cruise the waters of Abel Tasman National Park, and enjoy free time in Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital. Marvel at the beauty of Milford Sound and conclude your adventure in Christchurch with a punting experience and farewell dinner. This small group tour offers a perfect blend of guided exploration and free time, ensuring an unforgettable New Zealand experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Auckland
Location: Auckland
Accommodation Name: M Social Hotel
Upon arrival into Auckland you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day offers free time to explore the local area; why not ask the guide for tips on where to eat in the evening.
Day 2: Auckland
Location: Bay of Islands
Accommodation Name: The Duke Of Marlborough Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Auckland – Russell. Today we depart Auckland and travel north via the iconic Harbour Bridge before reaching the Reed Memorial Park. Here we walk along an elevated canopy through what remains of the original kauri forests, featuring kauri trees which are at least 500 years old and gaze at the picturesque Whangarei Falls, a natural wonder that dates back over 2 million years.
From there, continue to the Bay of Islands, an enchanting region of 144 sub-tropical islands scattered across warm, shallow waters and bays teeming with natural beauty and marine life. Known as the birthplace of New Zealand, the Bay of Islands is steeped in Maori culture and early European history. Here our adventure starts at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where we uncover the story of Waitangi, including the signing of the 1840 treaty between Maori tribes and British settlers. Whilst here we can explore the magnificent meeting house and visit the museum. Following this we take a ferry to the charming seaside village of Russell.
Day 3: Russell
Location: Russell
Accommodation Name: The Duke Of Marlborough Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your choice of activity today must be made at the time of booking. Please let our Reservations team know which included activity you would like to partake in.
Today we have a choice of two excursions to explore the picturesque surroundings.
Option 1 is to travel by coach along 90 Mile Beach to the very tip of New Zealand, Cape Reinga. This is a full day tour and a picnic lunch will be provided.
Option 2 sees us taking a Hole in the Rock cruise to Cape Brett Lighthouse. During this cruise we will watch in awe as the captain guides us through the famous Hole in the Rock and into Grand Cathedral Cave (conditions permitting).
Once we return to Russell we will meet a guide who will teach us all about this historic towns exciting history.
Day 4: Russell
Location: Auckland
Accommodation Name: M Social Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Russell – Auckland. Our journey takes us back to Auckland, where we explore its lively harborside, take in sweeping panoramic views, and explore charming villages all before a guided tour of the Auckland Museum.
Day 5: Auckland
Location: Whitianga
Accommodation Name: Oceans Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast
Auckland – Whitianga. Today we head south across the Hauraki Plains to Thames before continuing up the western side of the Coromandel Peninsula. The coastal drive along this route is truly breathtaking. On clear days, be sure to watch for the SkyTower, visible across the Firth of Thames. We pay a visit to the nearby Driving Creek Railway, where we climb 120 meters on a narrow-gauge line to the 'EyeFull' Tower, offering panoramic views of the picturesque countryside and back over the Hauraki Gulf. We continue our journey across the peninsula until we arrive at the resort of Whitianga on Mercury Bay.
Day 6: Whitianga
Location: Whitianga
Accommodation Name: Oceans Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast
The Coromandel region is a vibrant canvas of white cliffs, sun-kissed golden beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lush green forests. In the summer, vibrant scarlet hues emerge thanks to the blossoming Pohutukawa trees. One of its most renowned attractions is Hot Water Beach, where natural hot springs bubble up through the sandy shores and during the right tide conditions you can create your own "spa" pool in the warm waters.
Stroll along the beautiful sandy beaches of Hahei and visit Cooks Beach, named in honour of Captain James Cook who sailed into Mercury Bay in 1769.
From Cooks Beach you can choose to catch the short ferry ride back to Whitianga and walk to our accommodation or travel back with our driver.
Day 7: Whitianga
Location: Rotorua
Accommodation Name: Millennium Hotel Rotorua
Meals Included: Breakfast
Whitianga – Rotorua. Setting off in the morning we follow the Pacific Coast Highway through the coastal towns of Whangamata and Tauranga before turning inland to visit a bushwalk with views over majestic Okere Falls. We reach Rotorua, the epicentre of Maori heritage and New Zealand’s geothermal activity. Here we visit Te Puia. Te Puia is an active geothermal site, the nation’s centre for indigenous arts and crafts, and a Kiwi conservation project.
Day 8: Rotorua
Location: Rotorua
Accommodation Name: Millennium Hotel Rotorua
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Your choice of activity today must be made at the time of booking. Please let our Reservations team know which included activity you would like to partake in.
Today we have a choice between two different activities. Option 1 is a visit to the Waimangu Volcanic Valley which is the site of the Mt Tarawera eruption in 1886. This monumental event reshaped the landscape permanently, giving rise to the valley we explore today. As we wander through we encounter bubbling craters and brilliantly coloured steaming lakes. We embark on a cruise across Lake Rotomahana to the location of the silica terraces where we witness the gradual formation of new silica terraces.
Option 2 is a Middle-earth experience with a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set where we explore the iconic Shire. Our guide will walk us through the ten-acre site, sharing insights on how the movie set was brought to life. We get to see the Hobbit holes, Green Dragon Inn, The Millhouse, and other film structures, witnessing the transformation of this beautiful Waikato farmland into Middle-earth's Shire.
In the evening we head to the Tamaki Maori Village for Te Pa Tu. The experience aligns with the Maori lunar calendar, offering Maori traditions, songs, and seasonal cuisine within the forest village. We enjoy a 4-course fusion feast designed by Maori chefs and served outdoors or in the dining room, depending on the weather.
Return hotel transfers are included, and we join other travellers for this enriching experience.
Day 9: Rotorua
Location: Napier
Accommodation Name: Scenic Hotel Te Pania
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Rotorua – Napier. This morning we head south, past Huka Falls to the vast Lake Taupo. If clear skies permit, from here we should be able to see the peaks of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro, where lays the volcanic terrain that acted as the backdrop of ‘Mordor’ in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. We continue our journey to Napier, a joyful seaside town that had a tragic birth which we learn about today as we explore its sights on foot.
Our journey today has brought us to the North Island’s wine country, so this evening we are treated to dinner with a glass of wine at the Mission Estate Winery. First set up by missionaries in the mid-19th century, today these vineyards produce award-winning wines. We enjoy a tour of the winery before enjoying our dinner with sweeping views over Napier.
Day 10: Napier
Location: Wellington
Accommodation Name: DoubleTree By Hilton Wellington
Meals Included: Breakfast
Napier – Wellington. This morning we make our way to New Zealand’s capital city of Wellington, home to artists, writers and filmmakers with a trendy cafe culture. We see the magnificent Parliament Buildings, including the iconic 'Beehive' building before heading to the Kelburn Lookout. After taking the cable car down to the city centre we go to the Te Papa, one of the most exciting museums in the world where we have a lesson in the land, people, wildlife, landscapes and culture of New Zealand.
Day 11: Wellington
Location: Nelson
Accommodation Name: Rutherford Hotel Nelson
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wellington – Nelson. Today we cross the Cook Strait on one of the most picturesque ferry journeys in the world. Often accompanied by dolphins riding the bow wave, we arrive in Picton on the South Island. We travel to Blenheim, nestled in the heart of the renowned Marlborough wine country. What could be a more perfect way to savour this region, celebrated for its Sauvignon Blanc, than indulging in wine tasting at one of Marlborough's top wineries? From here we head to the delightful town of Nelson, where we spend the next two nights.
Day 12: Nelson
Location: Nelson
Accommodation Name: Rutherford Hotel Nelson
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your choice of activity today must be made at the time of booking. Please let our Reservations team know which included activity you would like to partake in.
We spend today soaking up the beauty of Abel Tasman National Park, with its golden coves, turquoise lagoons and forest ranges. Since there are few roads in this national park we see the sights of it by boat instead. Boarding a small cruiser at Kaiteriteri we head out to enjoy the scenery with plenty of stops along the way for swimming and exploring on foot. Arriving back in Kaiteriteri after the cruise, you have three options.
Option 1 is to relax in the town of Kaiteriteri at leisure.
Option 2 is to join a shorter 7km (2.5 hour) self-guided walk to fabulous Anchorage Beach.
Option 3 is to join a longer 10.5km (4 hour) self-guided walk to Anchorage Beach including the scenic highlights of the South Head lookout, the famous Falls River swing-bridge and Cleopatra’s Pool.
After these activities are completed, we transfer back to Nelson for the evening.
Day 13: Nelson
Location: Nelson
Accommodation Name: Scenic Hotel Punakaiki
Meals Included: Breakfast
Nelson – Punakaiki. This morning we journey through the captivating Nelson Lakes National Park, which features rugged peaks, lush forests, glacial lakes, and the majestic Southern Alps. We take some time to explore the charming village of St. Arnaud, before turning inland along the Buller River Gorge, a stunning scenic drive. We then follow the coastline south to the small settlement of Punakaiki. This area is renowned for its wild and untamed shoreline, as well as the famous 'Pancake Rocks' – striking limestone formations that stand as a remarkable testament to the forces of nature.
Day 14: Punakaiki
Location: Fox Glacier
Accommodation Name: Distinction Fox Glacier Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Punakaiki – Fox Glacier. Leaving Punakaiki behind we travel on to Hokitika on the West Coast where we visit its galleries of greenstone jewellery and artwork. Continuing to Hokitika Gorge we stretch our legs and discover the blue/green waters that pass through the rugged rocks. Following the road south we reach Franz Josef and then on to the village of Fox. It is here that the huge rivers of snow and ice of the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers flow from vast snowfields high in the Southern Alps, down almost to sea level. If the weather allows there is the option of a helicopter ride over the glaciers at an extra cost.
Day 15: Mt Aspiring National Park
Location: Mt Aspiring National Park
Accommodation Name: Edgewater Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Fox Glacier – Wanaka. First thing today we visit nearby Lake Matheson which, when weather conditions are just right, perfectly mirrors Mount Cook in its waters creating a stunning visual effect. From here we head up over the Haast Past along the river road, which took more than 40 years to complete, travelling deep into Mt Aspiring National Park to Lake Wanaka and the picturesque resort town of Wanaka.
Day 16: Wanaka
Location: Wanaka
Accommodation Name: Edgewater Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your choice of activity today must be made at the time of booking. Please let our Reservations team know which included activity you would like to partake in.
Today we have a choice of two included excursions. Option 1 sees you join an eco tour. Depart Wanaka by boat and escape civilisation as we cruise to an island where we hike through vibrant native vegetation to find a hidden mountaintop lake surrounded by small islands. We trek on to reach the island's summit for a 360-degree view of Lake Wanaka, its mountains and valleys, and the Arethusa Pool. Look out for the rare Buff Weka, a flightless bird extinct on Mainland NZ since 1920, which often joins visitors.
Option 2 is a 4WD adventure. We will explore a perfect mix of stunning scenery, history, and farm life in New Zealand's High Country. We will traverse remote back roads on an authentic farm with Lake Wanaka as our backdrop, surrounded by nature's beauty. We get up close to farm animals and visit historical sites, all while enjoying optional hikes through alpine meadows and lakeside forests, offering a unique insight into Wanaka's history, heritage, modern farming, and breathtaking landscapes.
When we return to Wanaka we have the afternoon at leisure to relax or enjoy the town.
Day 17: Wanaka
Location: Te Anau
Accommodation Name: Distinction Luxmore Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wanaka – Te Anau. We begin our day from Wanaka, stopping at the iconic Cardrona Pub. Then we venture through the Crown Range road to explore historic Arrowtown, a charming gold rush village nestled beneath majestic peaks near the Arrow River. We carry on along the scenic road between the Remarkables mountain range and stunning Lake Wakatipu before traversing a glacial valley turned farmland to reach Lake Te Anau, the South Island's largest freshwater lake and the entry point to Fiordland National Park.
Day 18: Te Anau
Location: Fiordland National Park
Accommodation Name: Scenic Suites Queenstown
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Te Anau – Queenstown. The journey from Te Anau to Milford Sound is one of the most scenic drives you can experience. Fiordland National Park, part of the Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area is awe-inspiring, and features towering mountains and deep valleys sculpted by ancient glaciers. Milford Sound, famously dubbed the 'eighth wonder of the world' by Rudyard Kipling, is a breathtaking destination in any weather.
Following this we embark on a comfortable cruise, passing the iconic Mitre Peak to reach the Tasman Sea. Keep a lookout for seals and dolphins, which often grace the fiord's waters. After the cruise we retrace our route back to Te Anau and then journey through the Southland farmlands and circle the stunning Lake Wakatipu to reach Queenstown.
Day 19: Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation Name: Scenic Suites Queenstown
Meals Included: Breakfast
Nestled amid majestic mountains and on the pristine shores of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown's natural beauty and unique ambiance provide an ideal setting for a visit filled with adventure, exploration, or relaxation. Today, we have the freedom to choose our own activities: thrill-seekers might opt for activities like zip-lining at Bob's Peak, a heart-pounding Shotover jet-boat ride, or white-water rafting. For those of us seeking a more leisurely experience, we can enjoy a gondola ride to Bob's Peak or embark on a 4WD safari to Skippers Canyon. Queenstown also offers boutique wineries, local gardens, and a chance to cruise Lake Wakatipu on the elegant steamship TSS Earnslaw for a visit to Walter Peak High Country Farm.
Day 20: Queenstown
Location: Twizel
Accommodation Name: Distinction Mackenzie Country Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Queenstown – Twizel. This morning we head north through Kawarau Gorge and past the scenic Lake Dunstan. We cross the Central Otago Countryside to the Lindis Pass where we descend into the Mackenzie Basin where the Southern Alps dominate the horizon. We enjoy a picturesque drive along Lake Pukaki to arrive at Mt. Cook Village, nestled at the base of New Zealand's highest peak, Aoraki/Mt. Cook. Our overnight stay awaits in the charming town of Twizel.
Day 21: Twizel
Location: Christchurch
Accommodation Name: Distinction Christchurch Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Twizel – Christchurch. Today we get to experience Kiwi culture by visiting a local home on Lake Tekapo's shores to learn the art of making Pavlova, a beloved New Zealand dessert. We enjoy our Pavlova during morning tea, taking in the stunning lake views. We admire the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, beautifully situated against the backdrop of the Southern Alps. Continuing our journey through the high country's tussock plains, passing through charming towns like Fairlie and Geraldine, en route to Ashburton we then travel across the fertile Canterbury Plains to reach Christchurch, a city that combines post-earthquake regeneration with a rich blend of heritage, culture, and innovation.
Day 22: Christchurch
Location: Christchurch
Accommodation Name: Distinction Christchurch Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning we embark on a leisurely punt cruise along the River Avon in the company of boatmen sporting straw boaters and Edwardian attire as we glide through the picturesque Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Following this we experience the evolving cityscape of Christchurch from the comfort of a beautifully restored heritage tram. As our journey together is coming to a close, we'll conclude the day with a laid-back farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 23: Christchurch
Location: Christchurch
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today our adventure in New Zealand comes to an end. A transfer takes you to Christchurch Airport for your flight home.
What's Included
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Accommodation
4-star hotels -
22 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 3 dinners
Enjoy 22 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 3 dinners during your tour.
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22 nights 4 star hotels
Stay in 4-star hotels for 22 nights throughout the tour.
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Airport arrival and departure transfers on day 1 and day 23
Airport transfers are included on the first and last day of the tour.
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Escorted by an expert local guide/driver with specialist local guides at some sites
The tour is escorted by an expert local guide/driver, with specialist local guides at certain sites.
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All relevant transfers and transportation in modern air-conditioned vehicle
All transfers and transportation are provided in a modern air-conditioned vehicle.
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Ferry to Russell & ferry across the Cook Strait
Ferry rides to Russell and across the Cook Strait are included.
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Touring of Auckland, Napier, Wellington & Christchurch
Guided tours of Auckland, Napier, Wellington, and Christchurch are included.
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Entry to Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Entry to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds is included.
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Coromandel narrow-gauge railway
A ride on the Coromandel narrow-gauge railway is included.
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Visit to Waimangu Volcanic Valley or Hobbiton Movie Set
Choose between a visit to Waimangu Volcanic Valley or the Hobbiton Movie Set.
What's Not Included
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International flights and visas
International flights and visas are not included.
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Items of a personal nature (telephone calls, laundry, travel insurance etc)
Personal items such as telephone calls, laundry, and travel insurance are not included.
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Optional activities
Optional activities are not included in the tour price.
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Tip for your tour guide / driver. We recommend you allow $4 - 7 USD per day per traveller. Tipping your tour guide is an entirely personal gesture.
Tips for your tour guide/driver are not included.
It is recommended to allow $4 - 7 USD per day per traveler.
Accommodation
Experience a blend of modern design and historic charm with stays at the M Social Hotel in Auckland, the Duke of Marlborough Hotel in Russell, and the Oceans Resort in Whitianga. Enjoy luxurious comfort at the Millennium Hotel Rotorua and Regal Palms Resort, and explore the scenic beauty from the Scenic Hotel Te Pania in Napier. Relax at the DoubleTree by Hilton Wellington, Rutherford Hotel Nelson, and Scenic Hotel Punakaiki. Discover the Distinction Fox Glacier Hotel, Edgewater Hotel in Wanaka, and Distinction Luxmore Hotel in Te Anau. Conclude your journey at the Scenic Suites Queenstown, Distinction Mackenzie Country Hotel, and Distinction Christchurch Hotel.
Age Policy
18+The average age of passengers on these tours is between 55-75yrs. Pure Discoveries do not permit children.
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with modern air-conditioned vehicles, including airport transfers on arrival and departure days. Enjoy scenic ferry rides to Russell and across the Cook Strait. Experience guided tours in Auckland, Napier, Wellington, and Christchurch, and explore the Coromandel Peninsula on a narrow-gauge railway. Cruise through Abel Tasman National Park and Milford Sound, and enjoy a punting experience in Christchurch.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of activities are available in Rotorua during the tour?
In Rotorua, you have the option to visit the Waimangu Volcanic Valley, where you can explore bubbling craters and steaming lakes, or you can choose to visit the Hobbiton Movie Set for a Middle-earth experience. In the evening, you can enjoy a Te Pa Tu Maori cultural evening with a 4-course fusion feast.
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What is included in the Milford Sound experience?
The Milford Sound experience includes a scenic drive through Fiordland National Park, followed by a comfortable cruise on Milford Sound, where you can see Mitre Peak and possibly spot seals and dolphins.
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Are there any wine tasting experiences included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a wine tasting experience at one of Marlborough's premier wineries and a dinner with wine at the Mission Estate Winery in Napier.
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What are the accommodation options like during the tour?
The tour includes 22 nights in 4-star hotels, such as the M Social Hotel in Auckland, the Duke of Marlborough Hotel in Russell, and the Millennium Hotel Rotorua, among others. These accommodations offer modern amenities and are conveniently located for exploring the local areas.
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What kind of activities can I choose from in Wanaka?
In Wanaka, you can choose between an eco tour that includes a boat ride and a hike to a mountaintop lake, or a 4WD adventure exploring remote back roads, farm life, and historical sites with optional hikes.
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What is the age policy for this tour?
The tour is designed for adults aged 18 and over, with the average age of passengers being between 55-75 years. Children are not permitted on this tour.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
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