Day 166 - Auckland

Back in Auckland again, and back in the city garden lodge (though no stripping, some crotchety old lady has nabbed my job in my absence). Talking of the lodge, here is a pic of the snooty hostel cat, Dude, who I found grooming himself sitting down. I laughted hysterically for about half an hour whilst he just glared back at me (rather cross-eyed and evilly).

Since coming back I've turned into a remarkable skin flint; having to hand over $20 for each nights accomodation (up to now everything has been free) is too painful to bear - so I've decided to once again leave the city of sails. I've been sitting in an internet cafe in the city centre for about 2 hours now, pigging my way through a bag of nuts and getting my plans sorted. After revisiting the nakedbus website I realise I have underestimated it's pure greatness. It's bit like Ryanair for buses:- if I book early enough I can get anywhere for a mere dollar (about $2.80 after fees and texting charges). I book online, they send me a text, and I just show it to the driver when I hop on the bus!

So, I've booked a ticket to Whitianga (near Coromandel) for tomorrow. 4 hour trip for less than a pound - not bad at all. When I'm there I'll work on a farm in Whitianga for a week or so, maybe visit Cathedral Cove and Mercury Bay, then go across to Coromandel to the Mahamudra Buddhist retreat (ooommm). Then maybe south along the coast to Tauranga and carry on from there...
Below is the route I just scribbled - this is pretty much the plan for the north, but you know me - the plans never stay the same for long!