Well after a quick overnight in Auckland I headed by ferry to Coromadel Town. I was a bit nervous as I booked this extra trip with the magic bus but they really didn't tell me much about it so I kind of had to find out as I went. It was all fine though, it was a rather pleasant ferry ride out of Auckland past all the surrounding islands and on the Coromadel Peninsula. Sadly I didn't meet anyone on the ferry as not many people, I found, took this trip with magic. I arrived at the hostels a bit disappointed with how gloomy and dirty the place was - I had had high expectations. Luckily I had upgraded to a private room which was a god send! It was a bit of a lonely day with no real friendly faces till the evening. I spent the day looking round town (which took all of 10 mins to get round!) and then buying fish and chips (yes I know more fish and chips - they are just so cheap at 2.80 for such fresh chips!!) and I bought wine and plastic cups from the supermarket and sat by the river. Thankfully it was pretty sunny! I dozed a bit in the afternoon in my private room with tv (it was a bit of a novelty) I think that was largely due to the wine I drank! That evening I met a pleasant German lady that went out of her way to be friendly so that cheered me up a bit. Then I called home in the luxury of my own room!

The next day I got up with a bit more motivation and head 4km out of town to the scenic railway. There was a cafe recommended in the lonely planet near by by so I had lunch there (it was really nice but it was vegetarian, poo). The railway trip was on a real tiny train and only took an hour but it was entertaining and you got some great views. Afterwards I headed the 4km back taking a short scenic walk along the way. I sat in the pleasant sun that afternoon (it's not so hot as it is now coming to autumn here) and read my book.

That evening the german and I had a little swim in the pool and chatted in the spa which was pretty nice. I headed to my room fairly early so I could enjoy the last of my privousy!

The following day I headed back to Auckland via a night in Whitianga again due to the dodgy deal magic did me. I had already been there and done that leg on the bus but it meant I got to do the nice walk to Cathedral Cove again and there were some nice people on the bus.

Now it is my last night back in Auckland, ready to catch the plain to Sydney tomorrow. New Zealand went so quick! The magic bus was really great for meeting people and I had a fab time here. I definately could of spent longer in a number of places and would like to come back some day...