Romantic Rendezvous: Matt Lauer & New Girlfriend’s New Zealand Hideaway Exposed
Jan. 3 2020, Updated 1:53 p.m. ET
Matt Lauer and his new girlfriend Shamin Abas got to know each other better while soaking in the views of the stunning New Zealand countryside surrounding his 16,000-acre ranch — and RadarOnline.com has obtained the photos!
In Touch exclusively broke the news that Lauer, 62, and public relations executive Abas, 50, headed south of the equator on December 19 to spend time together at Hunter Valley Station, his $9 million lakeside ranch on New Zealand’s South Island.
The property and its five-bedroom farmhouse boasts a prime location on pristine land bordering the serene Lake Hāwea and Lake Wanaka.
As RadarOnline.com previously reported, Lauer and Abas have known each other for at least 15 years and began dating after the former Today anchor’s and his ex Annette Roque’s divorce was finalized in September 2019.
Roque — who shares three children with Lauer: Jack, 18, Romy, 16, and Thijs, 13 — filed for divorce from Lauer in 2017 after shocking sexual misconduct allegations against her husband surfaced. The claims led to NBC firing the morning show anchor.
A source had said Lauer has been “on the prowl” for romance leading up to his dating Abas, who has an uncanny resemblance to Roque. “Obviously one thing led to another and they’re a full-fledged item now.”
Abas was previously married twice.
Documents obtained exclusively by RadarOnline.com reveal that Abas filed for divorce from her last husband, Frank Cilion, in 2007. She cited the marriage as "irretrievably broken." The brunette previously explained how financial strains put an end to the marriage.
Her first marriage ended in 1999.
Scroll through RadarOnline.com’s gallery to see photos of where Lauer and Abas spent one of their very first romantic getaways as a new couple.
Incognito
Lauer and Abas tried to go unnoticed while out and about on their secret New Zealand getaway over the holidays.
Romantic Ranch
The new couple holed up on Lauer’s lavish estate.
Couple’s Outing
During the trip, the disgraced Today host and his P.R. executive girlfriend rode matching bikes in the countryside.
Surreal Setting
Lauer’s sprawling property is surrounded by soaring mountains and stunning scenery.
Perfect Date
New Zealand’s countryside is probably right up Abas’ alley.
Country Girl
The marketing guru grew up in Wales riding horses.
Fond Memories
In an interview with the Palm Beach Post, she said: “I grew up living and breathing horses. It wasn’t even a thought that I would stay there.” New Zealand likely brings back some good memories for Abas.
Wild Times
Lauer and Abas could focus on each other while spending time on New Zealand's naturally beautiful South Island.
Perfect Match?
It remains to be seen how serious Lauer and Abas' relationship will become.
Passion Project
When she isn’t focusing on spending time with Lauer, Abas is a huge advocate for animals and often works on bringing attention to animal cruelty.