GPT. Top of the South Island Tour 2021/22

New Zealand

TOP OF THE SOUTH ISLAND TOUR

INCLUDES 4 SCENIC WALKS

2021/22

Valid for departures February 2021 - April 2022

gptnz.com

“The Top of the South Island Tour unveils a picturesque landscape of wilderness, wildlife and unique attractions.”

Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, West Coast.

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GRAND PACIFIC TOURS

K I A

O R A

Welcome to the Top of the South Island

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egarded as one of the most spectacular places on Earth, New Zealand offers a myriad of amazing activities and breathtaking scenery. Over the last two years, I have personally worked on this exciting new itinerary in conjunction with the product team at Grand Pacific Tours. We are delighted to present the Top of the South Island Tour, a coach holiday experience that has never been offered before visiting several iconic regions each offering something different.

Begin with a trip to the quaint fishing village of Akaroa where your award-winning cruise offers the chance to see the smallest and rarest Hector’s Dolphins. Experience the natural beauty of the scenic West Coast that hosts an abundance of wildlife and stunning scenery. Cruise the shores of the Abel Tasman National Park, a hidden gem with crystal clear water and sandy beaches all combined with New Zealand’s native flora and fauna. The spectacular Marlborough Sounds combine a myriad of amazing coves and waterways that will impress. Meander through this pristine body of water on your exclusive dinner cruise whilst enjoying the freshest of local produce. Taste the crisp and delightful wines of the Marlborough region as you experience exceptional vineyards such as Cloudy Bay Estate.

A visit to the fishing village of Kaikoura provides the opportunity for you to take an optional scenic flight to view the graceful giant sperm whales from the air.

We are extremely excited and proud to launch this brand new 11 day tour which features so many unique inclusions.

Following are a few highlights to paint the picture of what is in store. As you enjoy looking out over breathtaking Lake Brunner, meet the locals and enjoy a Kiwiana lunch with specialty dishes such as whitebait fritters. Several amazing walks include the incredible Hokitika Gorge, the famous Punakaiki Rocks (Pancake Rocks) and the classic scenery of the Abel Tasman National Park. Visit Monteith’s Brewery where you enjoy a sumptuous lunch and a free souvenir. The World of WearableArt and Classic Car Museum offer fascinating stories and relics of old.

This tour has been designed for travellers who enjoy the outdoors, love food and wine and are keen to get off the main roads and experience some of New Zealand’s native wildlife and natural beauty.

I am confident all the hard work and planning that has gone into this adventure will exceed your expectations. We look forward to sharing with you a special part of New Zealand not seen on many itineraries. Ngã mihi.

Peter Harding Managing Director gptnz.com

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Unveiling a picturesque landscape of wilderness, wildlife and unique attractions

TOUR CODE: GPTOS11

11 Day Top of the South Island Tour NO HIDDEN EXTRAS PREPAID ATTRACTIONS • Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise • TranzAlpine Rail Journey • Wilderness Gallery Hokitika • Monteith’s Brewing Co. Tasting • World of WearableArt and Classic Cars Museum* • Abel Tasman Guided Walk and Barbecue Cruise* • Yealands Estate White Road Tour and Tasting • Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre* • Cloudy Bay Estate Wine Tasting • Queen Charlotte Sound Dinner Cruise • Kaikoura Museum • International Antarctic Centre • City sights tour of Christchurch 2021 GUARANTEED DEPARTURES Feb 24 Mar 6 Apr 8 Oct 11 Nov 10 2022 GUARANTEED DEPARTURES Jan 18 Feb 24 Mar 6 Apr 4 ALL INCLUSIVE TOUR PRICE Fully escorted tour includes airfares, taxes, transfers in NZ, modern coach travel, 4 star accommodation, most meals, sightseeing and attractions.

TOUR PRICE INCLUDING AIRFARES Prices per person, twin share

SYDNEY

$5499 MELBOURNE $5499 BRISBANE $5499 GOLD COAST $5499 CANBERRA $5729 CAIRNS $5779 ADELAIDE $5799 HOBART $5799 LAUNCESTON $5799 PERTH $6049

Taxes**

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT

$5199 $1400

PRE / POST STAYS Twin share Single CHRISTCHURCH $130 $260 Extra night rates are per person and based on room only. Subject to availability.

Prices are in Australian Dollars. **Airline taxes are subject to change. Exact amounts will be confirmed by your travel agent at time of booking.

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GRAND PACIFIC TOURS

SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS AND WALKS • Historic French Village of Akaroa • Lake Brunner • Brunner Mine Site • Hokitika Gorge • Punakaiki Pancake Rocks • Cape Foulwind walkway • Buller Gorge • Seaside town of Kaiteriteri • Abel Tasman National Park • Marlborough Wine Region • Marlborough Sounds • Coastal town of Kaikoura

MEALS 10 cooked breakfasts • 8 sumptuous dinners including 2 specialty dinners: Queen Charlotte Sound Dinner Cruise, Picton; Special Farewell Dinner, Christchurch • 4 lunches: Kingfisher Restaurant, Lake Brunner; Monteith’s Brewing Co., Greymouth; Abel Tasman Barbecue lunch, Abel Tasman National Park; Dodson Street Beer Garden; Blenheim •

Dinner on Day 1 not included for anyone arriving later than 8pm.

FITNESS LEVEL REQUIRED Tour includes a number of short walks of up to 1 hour that require a moderate level of fitness. The walks are scenic and not excessive but can include slight inclines and uneven surfaces. Ensure you feel comfortable with this level of fitness before booking.

ITINERARY (B) Breakfast. (L) Lunch. (D) Dinner. (SD) Specialty Dinner.

TOTAL

+ $195 = $5694 + $195 = $5694 + $195 = $5694 + $195 = $5694 + $245 = $5974 + $245 = $6024 + $195 = $5994 + $180 = $5979 + $180 = $5979 + $170 = $6219

LAND ONLY

*Guided tour is included with 1 guide per 24 travellers.

TOURING Return airfares from your homeport • Personalised Meet and Greet on arrival • Return airport transfers in New Zealand • 48 seat modern coach travel, 2 door access, restroom, reclining seats and panoramic windows • Professional Coach Captain and Tour Leader • 10 nights 4 star accommodation • 3 two night stays • Hotel porterage • All sightseeing and prepaid attractions • Comprehensive documentation pack •

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Arrive Christchurch (D) On arrival into Christchurch you will be met by a Grand Pacific Tours representative and transferred to your hotel.

Hotel Distinction Christchurch (2 nights)

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Christchurch - Akaroa - Christchurch (B) After an introductory city sights tour, enjoy a scenic drive to the historic French Village of Akaroa, nestled in the heart of an ancient volcano.

There will be time to wander through Akaroa’s galleries and craft stores before boarding your modern catamaran. Set off on your Nature Cruise in the hope of spotting the rare Hector’s Dolphin, native to New Zealand. Keep an eye out for penguins and other sea birds as you glide past giant volcanic sea cliffs and hear about the history of Akaroa from your skipper. Following your cruise, return to Christchurch where the evening is free to dine at one of the city’s many restaurants.

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Christchurch - Moana - Hokitika (B,L,D) This morning board the TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world.

Travel over massive viaducts, river valleys and spectacular gorges before descending through the 8.5km long Otira Tunnel and finishing your journey in Moana, located on the banks of picturesque Lake Brunner. Enjoy lunch at Kingfisher Restaurant, sampling some local Kiwi dishes before travelling to the Brunner Mine Site, the location of the 1896 mine explosion, killing sixtyfive men. This afternoon upon arrival in the coastal town of Hokitika, you will visit a local gallery, the perfect chance to pick up a gift or souvenir.

Hotel Beachfront Hotel Hokitika (Ocean View)

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Hokitika - Punakaiki (B,L,D) Today, take in the natural beauty of the Hokitika Gorge, a glacial river turquoise in colour surrounded by dramatic rock formations. A short walk descending through the hardwood forest will lead you to a swing bridge which crosses the Hokitika River and provides a postcard worthy

MAP AND TOUR HIGHLIGHTS A: Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise Set off on your Nature Cruise from the historic French Village of Akaroa for the chance to see the rare Hector’s Dolphins and other marine life.

B: Hokitika Gorge This vivid, turquoise glacial river, surrounded by lush bush is well worth a visit and is even more impressive in real life!

C: Punakaiki Pancake Rocks Gaze in wonder at the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes, where columns of water shoot skyward from rocks that resemble giant stacks of pancakes.

D: Abel Tasman Walk and Barbecue Cruise Walk along the golden sand beaches and cruise the sheltered coves of the Abel Tasman National Park followed by a delicious barbeque lunch.

This tour has been designed for travellers who enjoy the outdoors, love food and wine and are keen to get off the main roads and experience some of New Zealands native wildlife and natural beauty. photo opportunity. Once back on the coach, continue north to Greymouth, home of Monteith’s Brewing Co. where you will have the chance to sample one of their locally brewed and awardwinning beers over lunch. This afternoon travel along the Great Coast Road to the world-famous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes, part of the Paparoa National Park in Punakaiki. Wander along the paved walkway through native forest and coastal scrub, leading to large cliff faces with horizontal slices resembling stacks of pancakes.

Hotel Punakaiki Resort (Sea View)

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Punakaiki - Nelson (B,D) Journey north along the coast to Tauranga Bay and Cape Foulwind, named by Captain Cook in 1770 when he encountered nasty weather.

A short walk along the rocky headland will showcase the rugged coastline and sea life often on show amongst the rocks. Travel inland via the Buller Gorge and Murchison to Nelson, one of the sunniest cities in New Zealand. This afternoon visit the World of WearableArt Museum, where a guided tour will showcase more than 60 award

E: Queen Charlotte Sound Dinner Cruise Take in the natural beauty of the Queen Charlotte Sound with an exclusive dinner cruise featuring local salmon, Greenshell Mussels and Cloudy Bay Clams, matched with a spectacular Marlborough wine.

F: Cloudy Bay Estate Named after a body of water explorer Captain James Cook came across during his voyage in 1770, you will sample some of Marlborough’s finest wine amongst the barrels at Cloudy Bay Estate.

winning garments from designers located all over the world. Attached is the Classic Cars Museum where you can view the prized collections of over 140 veteran, vintage and classic cars.

Hotel Rutherford Hotel (Premium Room. 2 nights)

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Nelson - Abel Tasman National Park - Nelson (B,L) Travel along the scenic Coastal Highway to Kaiteriteri, gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park. Here you will depart on a leisurely cruise along the parks’ picturesque coastline of golden sand beaches and sheltered coves. Disembark at Medlands Bay and set off on a guided walk to the Bark Bay Falls Swing Bridge. Re-board the vessel and cruise to Anchorage Bay where your barbeque lunch will be served. There will be time to stroll or relax on the beach before cruising back to Kaiteriteri. Re-join your coach and depart for Nelson via the vineyards of the inland Moutere Highway. This evening is free for you to dine at one of the many local restaurants in town.

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Nelson - Blenheim (B,L,D) Depart Nelson and travel via Havelock and the wine-growing region of Marlborough to the spectacular Yealands Estate. World leaders in sustainable wine production, the ‘White Road Tour’, will take you on a journey through this remarkable vineyard, offering breathtaking views all the way to the North Island on a clear day.

Enjoy lunch at a local Blenheim Beer Garden before visiting the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, home to one of the largest private collections of WW1 aircraft, brought to life in sets created by internationally acclaimed WingNut Films and Weta Workshop.

Hotel Scenic Hotel Marlborough (2 nights)

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Blenheim Sightseeing (B,SD) Enjoy a leisurely start this morning with free time to explore the township of Blenheim. You may like to visit the Wine Station (optional), a renovated 1906 heritage building at Blenheim Railway Station where over 80 premium wines are

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TOP: In Akaroa keep a look out for the rate Hector’s Dolphin. ABOVE: Kaikoura Peninsula. RIGHT: Stunning Hokitika Gorge.

showcased. This afternoon you will be treated to a unique wine and cheese tasting experience, set amongst the wine barrels at Cloudy Bay Estate.

Established in 1985, Cloudy Bay was one of the original winemakers in the Marlborough region.

Stroll through the manicured grounds scattered with towering gum trees and find a quiet spot to enjoy your favourite drop. Travel to Picton where your luxury launch awaits to take you on a scenic dinner cruise through the Queen Charlotte Sound. Take in the sights and wildlife this area is renowned for while enjoying a sumptuous meal of local salmon, Greenshell Mussels and Cloudy Bay Clams, all matched with a glass of spectacular Marlborough wine.

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Blenheim - Kaikoura (B,D) Farewell the Marlborough region and journey south along the coast to the seaside village of Kaikoura where you will visit the Kaikoura Museum. This award-winning facility highlights the districts fascinating connection with the sea and also features a dedicated exhibition on the impact of the 2016 earthquake. Enjoy some free time this afternoon to wander through the village 6

GRAND PACIFIC TOURS

or you may like to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the beautiful coastline to see the many species of whales that migrate through this area.

Hotel Sudima Hotel Kaikoura

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Kaikoura - Christchurch (B,SD) Depart Kaikoura and head south to the Garden City of Christchurch where you will visit the International Antarctic Centre, designed to provide an informative account of life in Antarctica. Feel the chill of the Antarctic storm room, take a ride on the Hagglund all-terrain vehicle and meet the adorable Huskies. See the Little Blue Penguins and be astonished within the immersive 4D theatre. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner with your new friends.

Hotel Sudima Hotel Christchurch Airport

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Depart Christchurch (B) Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Cloudy Bay Estate; Punakaiki Pancake Rocks; TranzAlpine Rail Journey; Seaside village of Kaikoura; barbeque lunch in Abel Tasman National Park; cruise to Queen Charlotte Sound.

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BOOKING TERMS AND CONDITIONS Payment and completion of the GOOD TO GO Form to your Travel Agent acknowledges that you have read, understood and accepted these booking conditions. Grand Pacific Tours (GPT) is a 100% Australian owned company.

For a full list of booking terms and conditions, refer to the GPT website at gptnz.com.

Deposits and Payment At the time of booking a deposit of $200 per person is required. If the Tour Package includes flights, a further deposit to cover the airfare and taxes is also required at time of booking.

The balance of payment, including any merchandise, is due 60 days prior to departure. Once the tour has been booked and confirmed cancellation fees will apply as per Terms and Conditions.

Airfares The airlines require all Trans-Tasman flight bookings to have the air ticket issued within three to five days of confirmation of the airline reservation. As GPT offer a fully inclusive package price, the dollar difference between ‘Land Only’ price and ‘Package Price’ does not represent the airfare deposit amount due. Enquire with your Travel Agent as to the exact amount of airfare deposit and taxes required at the time of booking. Surcharges may apply over peak travel times.

The Australian prepaid taxes are subject to change. Exact amounts will be confirmed to your Travel Agent at time of booking.

Airline Indemnity Airlines carry no responsibility for any statement in this brochure relating to the ground content of the tours. These airlines act as air carriers only. GPT indemnifies the airlines against any claim, action, loss or damage that may arise.

Passport and Visa Requirements All visitors require a passport to enter New Zealand. Your passport must be valid for at least three months past the date that you intend to leave. For Australian citizens travelling on an Australian passport, you do not need a visa or permit to visit New Zealand. Visitors from visa-waiver countries must request an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) prior to travelling to New Zealand. For visitors from non-visa waiver countries it is recommended you contact your Travel Agent or NZ Immigration for full entry requirements. If you are not an Australian Citizen or permanent resident, you may also have to pay for an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). Please check with your Travel Agent for up to date immigration requirements.

Prices All holiday prices are based on schedules, fares and tariffs current at the time of printing. GPT reserves the right to vary the cost of tours if necessary, by reason of currency fluctuation, component cost increase or airfare cost. Tour costing will be guaranteed at the price prevailing at the date of final payment.

Luggage Limits Each traveller is entitled to travel with ONE suitcase on tour measuring (length + width + depth) no more than 150cm.

Weight limits also apply to luggage due to Occupational Health and Safety issues. Approximately, the maximum suitcase weight allowed is 23kg. If a traveller brings more than the allocated limit of luggage, any additional arrangements made to get their luggage to the final destination will be at their own expense. Please be aware that oversized or overweight luggage may be refused to be carried by coach companies. All travellers are supplied with a Grand Pacific Tours Travel Bag for personal and small items which can be carried on the coach when travelling. The travel bag is designed to carry a maximum of 6kg. Due to limited space on board the coach, please ensure carry-on bags are approximately (length + width + depth) 81cm with a maximum weight restriction of 6kg. All luggage is entirely at the ‘owners risk’, GPT takes no responsibility for accidental damage or loss.

Pre / Post Accommodation in New Zealand Hotel check-in time is approx. 3pm and check-out is approx. 10am. If early hotel check-in or late check-out is required due to flight schedules, additional accommodation will need to be purchased. The rates quoted in this brochure are only valid for one night, room only and subject to availability. Any additional meals will need to be ordered and purchased directly with the hotels, BB rates cannot be provided.

Additional nights are subject to availability and may be charged at the prevailing rate by the hotel.

Traveller Demographic GPT’s demographic of traveller is 50 + or those travellers that prefer a low impact itinerary. This tour includes a number of short walks of up to 1 hour that require a moderate level of fitness. The walks are scenic and not excessive but can include slight inclines and uneven surfaces. Please ensure you feel comfortable with this level of fitness before making a booking. To ensure you see the best New Zealand has to offer, the touring days depart following breakfast and arrive at the new destination just prior to dinner.

Dietary Requests GPT limit special dietary requests to Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Lactose Intolerant and Diabetic. These will be requested to the hotel but cannot be guaranteed. Meal options may be limited. As a volume group tour operator, contracting specific menus which range from Buffet to A-la-carte, the logistics of arranging meals meeting the correct criteria over an extended touring itinerary can be challenging and cannot be guaranteed to meet the expectations of the traveller. Therefore, religious dietary requests (i.e. Hindu Vegetarian, Kosher, Halal) cannot be accommodated. Any further intolerances needing to be managed are the responsibility of the traveller. Airlines have restricted dietary conditions which vary, ask at time of booking.

Health and Fitness Payment of deposit by the traveller(s) to GPT acts as a warranty that the traveller(s) is/are reasonably healthy and/or fit to participate in the tour and the traveller(s) indemnifies GPT from all actions, claims and demands arising out of any want of health and fitness. GPT reserves the right to remove a traveller from a tour if their health and/or fitness interferes with the tour or other traveller(s) tour experience in any way.

Twin Share Travellers If you are travelling alone and do not wish to pay the Single Supplement, a twin share room will be provided with a person of the same gender. Special room requests are not permitted on this basis. It is your duty to disclose any medical or other conditions that may prevent you from being a suitable rooming partner (such as CPAP Machines) and you must accept that compatibility with your rooming partner cannot be guaranteed.

If at any time during the tour you consider your rooming partner unsuitable, we will endeavour to arrange single accommodation for you for the remainder of the tour, subject to availability and at your own cost. We accept no responsibility for the suitability of the allocated rooming partner.

Single Travellers Paying the Single Supplement covers the sole use of accommodation only, the 48-seat coach is not single seating, you will be required to sit with a fellow traveller.

Triple Share Room Bookings Hotel rooms are generally sized to accommodate two travellers in comfort. When three travellers elect to share a room note that there will be restricted space. A rollaway bed may be used for triple share bookings where three separate beds are required.

Coach Seat Rotation For the enjoyment of all travellers GPT operates a daily seat rotation system which all travellers must participate in as a condition of booking. There are no exceptions to this policy.

Travel Insurance Comprehensive Travel Insurance is not included but is strongly recommended for all travellers. It is the traveller’s responsibility to arrange their own travel insurance.

Cancellations / Transfer of Booking In the event a traveller cancels off a tour the following fees apply prior to departure: - 60 days or more prior to departure, loss of deposit plus the cost of the airline ticket if issued.

- Between 7 and 59 days prior to departure, 50% of the tour package price.

- Less than 7 days prior to departure, 100% of the tour package price.

If a traveller wishes to cancel their existing booking and transfer to a new departure date, the above cancellation fees still apply.

Refund Please note that no refund shall be made for any unused portion of any itinerary. Any alteration to the holiday, made by a traveller(s), shall be wholly at the expense of the traveller(s).

GPT HEAD OFFICE 1st Floor, 716 Mt Alexander Road Moonee Ponds, VIC 3039 Australia Telephone 03 9372 0288 Facsimile 03 9372 0299 Email reservations@gptnz.com ABN 95 072 657 624

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Variation GPT reserves the right to cancel or to vary the content of its tours should the need arise under extenuating circumstances out of our control.

Documentation GPT documentation including any merchandise will be forwarded to your Travel Agent two weeks prior to departure.

PO Box address is not acceptable. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate early requests for documentation. Ticket wallet is one per couple.

Transfers Airport transfers are included on the first and last day of your GPT tour and/or pre or post tour accommodation directly linked with the tour hotel. Transfers cannot be re-routed to other pick up points or destinations. No refund will be given for unused transfers.

Inter-terminal airport transfers are not included. On arrival in New Zealand, the transfer vehicle will wait up to 1 hour after the flight lands. If your flight is delayed or has changed please contact GPT. Travellers who miss the pre-booked transfers must make their own way to / from the GPT tour hotel at their own expense.

Force Majeure Except where otherwise expressly stated in these booking conditions we regret that we cannot accept liability or pay any compensation where the performance of our contractual obligations is prevented or affected by reason of circumstances amounting to ‘force majeure’. In these booking conditions, ‘force majeure’ means any event which we or the supplier of the service(s) in question could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. Such events may include war or threat of war, riots, civil strife, terrorist activity, industrial dispute, natural or nuclear disaster, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events outside our control.

Lost Property GPT accepts no responsibility for the retrieval of lost or misplaced property. All costs associated in the retrieval of lost or misplaced property is at the owner’s expense.

Internet Most hotels have internet access available. Not all hotels offer free Wi-Fi, charges may apply. GPT do not have any influence over hotel Wi-Fi access and related costs.

Merchandise All prices are inclusive of GST and postage. All purchases must be made with your Travel Agent at time of booking.

Payment for all merchandise is due with final tour payment prior to departure. Merchandise will not be sold once on tour or after travellers return home. Refer to the website for delivery and jacket sizes. Exchanges can be made on unused merchandise, a $10 per delivery postage and handling fee will be charged.

Privacy For a full version of our Privacy Policy, refer to GPT website at gptnz.com/privacy-statement.

Validity Brochure valid for travel from February 2021 - April 2022.

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