The Big Tiki
(Auckland to Queenstown Winter)
COUNTRIES
1
DAYS
17
FROM
$2,699
COUNTRIES
1
DAYS
17
FROM
$2,699
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WHAT YOU GET
-
16 nights accommodation
-
21 Meals
5 Dinner, 16 Breakfast -
Transport
Get from A to B in style and comfort -
No Regrets Inclusions
All the experiences you want -
Team
Power Duo: Trip Manager & Driver -
Free Time
to DIY your adventure -
18-35 year olds only
Travel with new friends just like you -
Need flights
Our team can help. Contact us for info and deals - See More Of What's Included
Waterfalls, nightclubs, geothermic mud pools, mountains, skylines, if NZ doesn't impress you, best check your pulse. The Big Tiki from Auckland to Queenstown soaks it all up and offers an astounding list of over 65 optional activities to ramp up your trip. Dolphin cruise & black water rafting (until Sep 2018), anyone?
Waterfalls, nightclubs, geothermic mud pools, mountains, skylines, if NZ doesn't impress you, best check your pulse. The Big Tiki from Auckland to Queenstown soaks it all up and offers an astounding list of over 65 optional activities to ramp up your trip. Dolphin cruise & black water rafting (until Sep 2018), anyone?
step 1
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Want to explore Australia, too? If you add an Australia trip you may qualify for a 5% discount. Please call us for more information.
At present the Kaikoura route is not available. Contiki will be travelling an alternate route between Christchurch and Wellington until further notice.
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June 2019
- Thursday 20th June
- Saturday 6th July
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July 2019
- Sunday 14th July
- Tuesday 30th July
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- Thursday 18th July
- Saturday 3rd August
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- Friday 26th July
- Sunday 11th August
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August 2019
- Saturday 3rd August
- Monday 19th August
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- Friday 23rd August
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- Tuesday 27th August
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- Monday 19th August
- Wednesday 4th September
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- Tuesday 27th August
- Thursday 12th September
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September 2019
- Wednesday 4th September
- Friday 20th September
$2,699
$2,699
- Thursday 12th September
- Saturday 28th September
Definite departure
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$2,699
- Friday 20th September
- Sunday 6th October
Definite departure
$2,699
$2,699
ITINERARY
Time spent in each place (in days)
YOU WILL VISIT
New Zealand
New Zealand
, and 5 more
SEE FULL ITINERARY
Via
Via
1
2
3
4
Via
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2
3
4
Time spent in each place (in days)
DAY 1:
Auckland to Paihia via Parry Kauri Park
Auckland
Welcome to NZ globe trotters. Time to meet your wolf-pack and start salivating over the overflowing banquet of adventure we have up for grabs here in the land of the 'long white cloud'. We'll cross Aucklands Harbour Bridge admiring the 'City of Sails' habour before starting our journey north to Paihia.
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS
See the City of Sails harbour made famous by the Americas Cup
Parry Kauri Park
We'll waste no time exploring what this country is famed for - unfathomable nature. Ancient Kauri trees that stand up to 50 metres high and hold over 1000-years of history will delight a walk through the reserve of Parry Kauri Park.
-Walk through native Kauri Forest
Paihia
On arrival to the Bay of Island we're starting off with a dose of Kiwi history on a guided tour at Waitangi Treaty grounds where in 1840 New Zealand officially became a nation of two communities. And because we like to give you that something extra, how about a free admission at the Treaty museum, in case you seek a bit more detail on Kiwi history.
DAY 2:
Paihia
Paihia
Whether it's parasailing or a fast boat ride - today's (idyllic) list of optionals reads like a who's who of adventure. This area is filled with natural beauty and is sure to inspire your inner wild child. Make the most of the ME Time experiences on offer - tomorrow we head back to the big city vibes.
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS
Check out Whangarei and Kawakawas famous Hundertwasser toilets
Get a dose of history with a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds Tour
Tuck into a true Kiwiana fish n chips dinner
FREE TIME ADD-ONS
Awesome Cape Reinga Trip
NZ$117
Carino Day Sailing
NZ$130
Discover the Bay
NZ$149
Island Adventure Fast Boat
NZ$78
Kiwi Parasail
From NZ$95
Paihia
DAY 3:
Paihia to Auckland
Paihia
Feeling salty and sun-kissed we wave goodbye to Paihia & sashay our way back down NZ in the direction of Auckland, eager to carry on seeing what else this fine country has in store. Ask your Trip Manager for a bit of intel on the local lingo around here, sure to be the best way to make you feel right at home amongst the Kiwi crowd.
Auckland
Thought we’d “done Auckland” already? Oh hell no. Today is all about discovering yet more of this energetic city, starting with a free night to explore Auckland’s great nightlife.
FREE TIME ADD-ONS
Auckland Bungy
NZ$165
Auckland Bridge Climb
NZ$130
Sky Walk Sky Jump
NZ$225
Sky Tower Sky Walk
NZ$150
DAY 4:
Auckland to Rotorua
Auckland
Laters Auckland! Today we drive through the lush farmlands of Waikato, an area that produces many of New Zealand's best Rugby players for the All Blacks, on route to Hobbiton Village. That's right, it wouldn't be a complete experience without a stop at the "Shire".
Rotorua
When you catch your first whiff of that .. 'unusual' sulphur smell, you'll know we've arrived in Rotorua. Famed for its spurting geysers, boiling mud pools & hot springs, gondola and speeding luge rides, Rotorua is a natural wonderland, and then some. Tonight the culture will sky rocket with a traditional Maori hāngi dinner & dance performance, and perhaps best of all, the chance to get involved in the world-famous HAKA. Tongues at the ready peeps.
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS
Visit Hobbiton and take a guided tour of the set made famous by the "Lord of the Rings & Hobbt" movies
Traditional Maori cultural performance and Hangi dinner
See the Bubbling geothermic mud pools
DAY 5:
Rotorua
Rotorua
The day is yours to roam free. Soak in a hotspring, go white water rafting, take a canopy tour of hike up a volcano – the options are limitless and the decisions are yours.
FREE TIME ADD-ONS
Kaitiaki Rafting
NZ$99
Mt. Tarawera Trek
NZ$149
Rotorua Canopy Tours
NZ$149
Rotorua
FREE TIME ADD-ONS
Te Puia (Maori Arts & Crafts Institute)
NZ$84
DAY 6:
Rotorua to Mount Ruapehu via Huka Falls and Lake Taupo
Rotorua
Our Rotorua adventures are (almost) at an end, but not before we stop by the Rainbow Springs Nature Park, where you’ll get the chance to learn about New Zealand's national bird, kiwis. Like nice surprises? Here’s one for you - your included entrance fee goes towards the kiwi rehabilitation project, a Contiki sponsored initiative. Plus, as part of the project Treadright sponsors an incubator used to hatch eggs, so every year we get naming rights to two new baby kiwis. Cute, huh?
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS
Take a behind the scenes tour of the of a Kiwi conservation project at the Rainbow Springs Kiwi Encounter
Huka Falls
220,000 litres (that's 58 000 gallons) of water gush over Huka Falls per second. Just let that sink in for a minute. Wild, right? Even wilder still is the Hukafalls Jet experience - a thrilling ride that will get you experiencing the full force of the falls and leave you with even more of a taste for adventure. A good thing really, given Lake Taupo is on the horizon.
Lake Taupo
We'll break up our journey today with a nature jaunt to gorgeous glassy Lake Taupo.
Mount Ruapehu
Then it's on to Mt Ruapehu for some powder riding fun. Whether you consider yourself a pro, or perhaps just an aspiring ski enthusiast, this is the perfect place for you to ‘slide’ into new adventures. And yes we do make excellent puns.
DAY 7:
Mount Ruapehu
Mount Ruapehu
Known as the après-ski capital of the North island, Ohakune is a tranquil town with utterly unreal views. Spend the day bettering your skills on the slopes or generally treating yourself to all the snowy based activities on offer, then tonight snuggle down in our Special Stay ski lodge, located in prime position at the base of Mt. Ruapehu.
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS
See an active stratovolcano with Mt Ruapehu
See more of the sights made famous in the The Lord of the Rings
Mount Ruapehu
DAY 8:
Mount Ruapehu to Wellington
Mount Ruapehu
These landscapes are unique and the sights will leave you breathless. On route to the windy capital Wellington where we'll show you the sights of this city.
Wellington
As much as we've been loving the nature time, the change of scenery to New Zealand's well-cultured capital will prove an utter delights. After an orientation through the narrow streets of Wellington a night on the town will be on the cards, plus an optional dinner to start the night off as we mean to go on.
DAY 9:
Wellington
Wellington
Galleries, cafes, shops, street performers, vintage markets -Wellington you're spoiling us. Stroll the eclectic Cuba Street, grab some sushi & pop by the Tattoo Museum where Maori moko face tattoos and modern ink collide, or hop on a quad bike to get down and dirty.
Wellington
DAY 10:
Wellington to Christchurch via Picton and Kaikoura
Wellington
So long north island! Today we're making tracks for your southern brother, darting across the Tasman via the Inter-Island ferry.
Picton
Our first port of call on the South Island will be Picton, the gateway to wine country. Sauv blanc, anyone?
Kaikoura
Our next drive takes us through Marlborough’s wine country along the rugged east coast. Arriving in Kaikoura will see us amongst a seaside settlement known for whales & dolphins, so the camera needs to be on 110% charge as we roll around the coast. We'll stop at a seal colony, where you'll struggle not to break into a collective 'cuuuute' as you watch these guys sunning themselves on the rocks.
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS
Spectacular drive along the Kaikoura Coast and visit to a seal colony
Christchurch
Tonight we sleep well in Christchurch, drifting off to the pleasant memories of NZ's natural beauty that seasoned our day.
DAY 11:
Christchurch to Franz Josef via Arthers Pass and Hokitika
Christchurch
Christchurch, it was short and sweet, but with with ice age action on the horizon we gots to move on.
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS
Christchurch City Tour (until Sep 2018)
Arthurs Pass
Take in the beautiful scenery as we wind our way across the highest and most spectacular mountain pass across the Southern Alps.
Hokitika
In the gold rush town of Hokitika we'll watch authentic carvers get to work on green jade and take a look at traditional Maori art. Back on the coach we're coastline bound to one of the islands most jaw-droppingly beautiful spots...
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS
See a native greenstone carving demonstration
Franz Josef Glacier
We'll pull up for the night in glorious Franz Josef, probably one of the most beautiful places you'll ever of clapped eyes on. A bold statement we know, but well deserved.
DAY 12:
Franz Josef Glacier
Franz Josef Glacier
This morning will be another big ol' tick off the list as we take to the ice of Franz Josef Glacier. Want to double tick the list in gold sparkly pen? We've got a heli ride over the glacier up for grabs for an ultra special experience. Satisfaction levels on high, tonight will be topped off with story swapping and crew drinks at the local. Be sure to breathe in that fresh alpine air - doesn't it feel good.
FREE TIME ADD-ONS
Glacier Country Kayaks
NZ$115
Ice Explorer
NZ$359
Across Country Quad Bikes
NZ$160
Scenic Helicopter Flight and Glacier Landing
From NZ$245
Franz Josef Glacier
DAY 13:
Franz Josef Glacier to Queenstown
Franz Josef Glacier
Armed with a new found appreciation for frozen water, we'll hop back on the coach & start making our way to Queenstown, making a few cheeky stops along the way.
Haast Pass
Our first piece of NZ eye-candy comes in the form of Haast Pass, beautified by ancient rainforests, small glaciers and waterfalls. Note how the scenery changes as we roll towards Queenstown through the Southern Alps and region of Otago.
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS
Drive through Haast Pass and see Thunder Creek Falls
Wanaka
Intermitting our scenic drive we'll stop for lunch in Wanaka, a pretty ski resort town situated on a lake front and dwarfed by mountains. This town is fast becoming one of NZ's most popular spots, and a trip to the 'Dough Bin' for a luscious pie should be high on the list today.
Queenstown
Welcome to the adventure capital of the world. Rest up tonight - the next few days are going to be BIG.
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS
Stop at AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge (until Sep 2018)
DAY 14:
Queenstown
Queenstown
Today is yours to get acquainted with Queenstown and spend some time mulling over the activities up for grabs in the next two days. To get you warmed up, we'll be treating you to an exhilirating Shotover Jet experience (until Sep 2018), so throw those hands in the air as you fly through narrow Shotover canyons at speeds of up to 85 kph.
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS
Set your pulse racing with a hair raising ride on the Shotover Jet (until Sep 2018)
Tour and tasting of a Central Otago Wine vineyard and Craft Brewery (From Oct 2018)
FREE TIME ADD-ONS
Group Photograph
NZ$19
Queenstown
DAY 15:
Queenstown
Queenstown
It's times like this that you really start to work out what sort of traveller you are. And human for that matter. You might be the one trailing through wine country and doing a spot of horse back riding, or you may be that guy that crams in a bungy jump, a skydive and a heliraft & still craves more. It's your holiday - run wild as you see fit.
FREE TIME ADD-ONS
Milford Sound Day Trip & CruiseMilford Sound Day Trip & Cruise (Until September 2018)
NZ$139
Kawarau Bridge Bungy
NZ$205
The Nevis Bungy
NZ$275
Ledge Bungy Bungy
NZ$205
Thrillogy
NZ$420
The Nevis Swing
NZ$210
Ledge Swing
NZ$165
Queenstown Adventurer Canyoning
NZ$199
Queenstown
DAY 16:
Queenstown
Queenstown
With our last day in adrenalin city ahead of us, this is the time to push yourself to the limits and hurl over any mental barriers you've put up around yourself. Jump into #NOREGRETS spirit and conquer those niggling fears once and for all. For those who did their dash yesterday, a day staying mellow and enjoying this beautiful region will prove more than sufficient.
FREE TIME ADD-ONS
Ziptrek Zipline Tour
NZ$189
Skyline Restaurant Dinner
NZ$85
Canyon Swing
NZ$215
Funyaks
NZ$359
Ice Bar Experience
NZ$20
Canyon Fox
NZ$150
Queenstown
DAY 17:
Queenstown
Queenstown
This morning our adventure comes to an end (sob). Hug it out with your new bff's, with plans no doubt in place for Contiki 2.0. NZ, you've been real.
Queenstown
WHAT'S INCLUDED
HOW DOES
CONTIKI WORK?
CONTIKI WORK?
- Accommodation included
- A-class team
- Transport sorted
- Authentic foodie experiences
- No Regrets Inclusions
- An army of new friends
ACCOMMODATION
16 nights:
Hotels and lodges are the name of the game. Think warm, comfy beds and lively communal areas for you and your new best mates to socialise.
TEAM
Don't worry, your Trip Manager and Driver will show you the ropes, not to mention all your new travel mates. Whether providing local knowledge or lols, our team members are people you can trust.
FOOD
21 meals:
We'll get 21 of your meals, you get the rest. You can expect a healthy breakfast every morning, as well as authentic fish 'n' chips and a few BBQs along the way. We'll also give you plenty of opportunities to try the best gourmet eats in NZ.
NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS
The coolest thing about travelling with Contiki is all the extra stuff included while you’re rambling around New Zealand. Experience a traditional Maori Hangi dinner and concert., swim in Rotorua’s geothermal mud pools (until Sep 2018) and drive along the Kapiti Coast. There's just so much to do!
FREE TIME ADD-ONS
With Contiki, there's plenty of time to relax and do your own thing, but for travellers seeking a little extra, we've also got plenty activities to fill your ME Time. Whether you want to surf the sand dunes at Ninety Mile Beach, embark on an ice adventure at Franz Josef Glacier or do a tandem skydive over Queenstown, we can point you in the right direction.
TRANSPORT
You’ll be riding with your new best mates on our Contiki coach. We know comfort and style are equally important, that’s why we provide air-con and heating, powerpoints to charge your devices and only the best Drivers and Trip Managers.
FLEXIBLE PAYMENT
Save your space with only a 200 deposit
DISCOVERER
travel style
Want to see and do as much as is humanely possible when you travel. Want to visit multiple destinations, tick off every box imaginable and still have free time left over to do your own thing? Come join the Discoverer club.
More About Travel Styles
CONTIKI
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The Big Tiki (Auckland to Queenstown Winter)
AVERAGE RATING FOR
The Big Tiki (Auckland to Queenstown Winter)
4.8
93 independent reviews
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Rhian Wode
Ellen Walker
The Big Tiki gives you a taste of everything New Zealand has to offer. You go all through the north and south islands, and the optional add ons are experiences you shouldn’t miss. In saying that, there are also so many inclusions that teach you about the local Maori culture, and just general NZ history, and that is what makes this trip so good.
I planned my trip to include my birthday, and your contiki crew becomes like family. I had an awesome trip and day specifically (my trip manager even shouted me a tequila shot); I couldn’t have asked for any better.
Booked from Brisbane
Traveled Sep 2018
Brenda Beggiato
i was a little bit disappointed in the beginning because i was disappointed from the service of flight centre (i requested a tour where being able to travel independently, but in the end i really enjoyed the trip
Traveled Sep 2018
Jessica Harrebomee
Amazing the trip showed us the right amount in the time and would 100% do the trip again it also gave as so many great add on
Traveled Sep 2018
Chloe Lindsay
The tour was awesome. A great mix of adventure, adrenaline, peaceful and cultural. A taste of everything NZ has to offer as a country.
Traveled Sep 2018
Anonymous
Erin T
The Big Tiki was an unforgettable way to discover NZ, would do it all over again in a heartbeat!
Booked from Sydney, Australia
Traveled Sep 2018
Anonymous
I would recommend doing this full trip over just the north/ south as you need to see all of New Zealand. The inclusions are the best I’ve seen from similar companies and driving is the best way to travel around New Zealand. It is a beautiful country, which you must see!
Traveled Aug 2018
Anonymous
Trip was planned perfectly and had heaps of time to do and see new Zealand
Traveled Aug 2018
Payton Hermanson
Our trip was great full of amazing extras however the trip was jump on jump off meaning we had over 100 come through out trip
This was horrible and made it very hard to make friends in the first week all people booking a contiki should be made awear if this is happening as it makes the start of the trip very hard
Traveled Aug 2018
Olivia Dillow
Excellent tour manager and driver!! Loved every minute of my trip!
Traveled Aug 2018
Anonymous
The accommodation we stayed at, the distances we needed to travel and the breakfasts and dinners provided aligned with the price we payed for the contiki
Traveled Aug 2018
Anonymous
Anonymous
Knowledgeable, outgoing, supportive, and hilarious tour guides and tour drivers that demonstrated a unique passion for their country and created a great atmosphere for the entire 19 day trip! Both Cam and Patty (along with the trainees Lucy and Rae) collectively made the entire trip worthwhile and enjoyable.
Traveled Jul 2018
Shanice Ryan
This trip was an experience of a lifetime. I loved the whole thing. Everything was really well planned and organised so I had to worry about nothing which was great. I always knew where I had to be and when which helped me to relax on this trip.
Traveled Jul 2018
Anonymous
Anonymous
Fantastic tour. Will travel with Contiki again
Traveled May 2018
Maddison Buggy
First time overseas was easy and stress free! I went on my own so it was good to meet other people in the same boat as me!
Traveled May 2018
Andrew Boothby
Probably the most amazing holiday I have ever had!
Traveled May 2018
Anonymous
A lot of beautiful places visited along the way! Was amazing to complete the whole 19 days, we had people stopping and starting in different places. So glad I was able to do the whole trip!
Traveled May 2018
Sorry! The reviews aren't available for the chosen filter.
REVIEWS
Read what other travellers are saying about The Big Tiki (Auckland to Queenstown Winter)this trip
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4 total reviews
AVERAGE RATING FOR
The Big Tiki (Auckland to Queenstown Winter)
4.8
Absolutely amazing!
Easy to purchase and pay off in segments!
READ MORE
What a way to spend your birthday!
The Big Tiki gives you a taste of everything New Zealand has to offer. You go all through the north and south islands, and the optional add ons are experiences you shouldn’t miss. In saying that, there are also so many inclusions that teach you about the local Maori culture, and just general NZ history, and that is what makes this trip so good.
I planned my trip to include my birthday, and your contiki crew becomes like family. I had an awesome trip and day specifically (my trip manager even shouted me a tequila shot); I couldn’t have asked for any better.
READ MORE
a trip to remember
i was a little bit disappointed in the beginning because i was disappointed from the service of flight centre (i requested a tour where being able to travel independently, but in the end i really enjoyed the trip
READ MORE
The Big Tiki
Amazing the trip showed us the right amount in the time and would 100% do the trip again it also gave as so many great add on
READ MORE
Ticks off all the bucket list items
The tour was awesome. A great mix of adventure, adrenaline, peaceful and cultural. A taste of everything NZ has to offer as a country.
READ MORE
New Zealand is the bomb!
Excellent value for money!
READ MORE
The Big Tiki
The Big Tiki was an unforgettable way to discover NZ, would do it all over again in a heartbeat!
READ MORE
The Big Tiki
I would recommend doing this full trip over just the north/ south as you need to see all of New Zealand. The inclusions are the best I’ve seen from similar companies and driving is the best way to travel around New Zealand. It is a beautiful country, which you must see!
READ MORE
Best trip ever!
Trip was planned perfectly and had heaps of time to do and see new Zealand
READ MORE
Amazing trip run by great people
Our trip was great full of amazing extras however the trip was jump on jump off meaning we had over 100 come through out trip
This was horrible and made it very hard to make friends in the first week all people booking a contiki should be made awear if this is happening as it makes the start of the trip very hard
READ MORE
The Big Tiki
Excellent tour manager and driver!! Loved every minute of my trip!
READ MORE
More than just a tour
The accommodation we stayed at, the distances we needed to travel and the breakfasts and dinners provided aligned with the price we payed for the contiki
READ MORE
Fun, simple hassle-free
Had fun, good inclusions, accomodation,
READ MORE
The Big Tiki
Knowledgeable, outgoing, supportive, and hilarious tour guides and tour drivers that demonstrated a unique passion for their country and created a great atmosphere for the entire 19 day trip! Both Cam and Patty (along with the trainees Lucy and Rae) collectively made the entire trip worthwhile and enjoyable.
READ MORE
The Big Tiki
This trip was an experience of a lifetime. I loved the whole thing. Everything was really well planned and organised so I had to worry about nothing which was great. I always knew where I had to be and when which helped me to relax on this trip.
READ MORE
The Big Tiki
It was Great!!! Definitely would recommend
READ MORE
Fantastic trip away
Fantastic tour. Will travel with Contiki again
READ MORE
Ready for my next holiday!!
First time overseas was easy and stress free! I went on my own so it was good to meet other people in the same boat as me!
READ MORE
Amazing Tour of New Zealand North and South islands
Probably the most amazing holiday I have ever had!
READ MORE
The Big Tiki
A lot of beautiful places visited along the way! Was amazing to complete the whole 19 days, we had people stopping and starting in different places. So glad I was able to do the whole trip!
READ MORE
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