Matt Lauer and New Girlfriend Shamin Abas' Holiday Vacation: Details

Sparks are flying. Matt Lauer and his new girlfriend, Shamin Abas, had a blast on their romantic holiday vacation. The disgraced TV host whisked the public relations executive to his $9 million ranch in New Zealand for a fun-filled weekend beginning December 19. After arriving in the country on December 21, the two enjoyed bike rides and shopping, according to photos exclusively obtained by In Touch.

The former TV personality, 62, and his leading lady, 50, explored his 16,000-acre Hunter Valley Station ranch, with roads leading to the beautiful Hawea Conservation Park, on matching bikes.

Lauer’s property is notoriously private. He reportedly even refused requests from public officials for greater access to it, so he and his girlfriend faced little risk of being disturbed while they toured the countryside. After the lovebirds checked out the gorgeous views, they visited a few local shops.

It looks like their chemistry is off the charts, and that may have to do with Lauer and Abas being friends before their relationship turned romantic. The father of three has known the publicist for 15 years “and obviously one thing led to another,” a source tells In Touch, noting how they are a “full-fledged item” at this point in time.

Interestingly, Lauer’s new love interest bears a striking resemblance to his ex-wife, Annette Roque.

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The couple initially flew out of New Jersey and they both appeared to be in great spirits while in each other’s company, with an eyewitness revealing they “looked happy together.” During their layover in Houston, the two “ordered drinks and spoke the whole time, whispering close and giggling,” a source tells In Touch. “His famous grin is back.”

It seems they also share a love for traveling. Like her new beau, Shamin often divides her time between New York City; Palm Beach, Florida; and the Hamptons.

Scroll through the gallery below to see In Touch‘s exclusive photos of Lauer and Abas out and about in New Zealand.