Caught the bus into the city. When I got to the harbor I spent a few minutes remembering how satisfying it is the first time you successfully navigate a new public transport system. Found the Australian consulate without too many problems and went upstairs to wait in line. Half an hour in I realized that I had left my passport at the hostel - not much chance of getting a visa without that! Took the bus back to the hostel - and missed my stop because this bus is going the other way and because of one way streets I didn't recognize where I was until I was nearly a half hour past! Caught another bus back to where I was meant to be and collected my passport.
Had a quick lunch and set off for the city again. Got to the consulate and waited for my number to come up. I had decided to ask for the longest visa given - valid for four years, each stay up to six months. I was asked to do justify why I wanted such a long visa and the best I could do was that I wanted the flexibility. The woman working told me to sit down and she'd think about it. When she called me back up she said she'd give it to me... if I could provide evidence of sufficient funds - $6,000. I explained that I could show probably half that in traveler's checks and that I had credit cards that I normally used. She agreed that would be ok, and said that I should come back tomorrow between 9 and 12 since she'd be there, and she knew my story.
Walked around the city center (pretty touristy, and aimed at the Americas Cup crowd). Since it wasn't too hot or too cold I decided to walk back to the hostel. At the hostel I checked the bus and train schedules and figured out my plans for tomorrow. I'm going to deal with the visa mess in the morning then head north to Paihia on the afternoon bus. I also tried to call the dive center up there to arrange a dive on the wreck of the Rainbow Warrior but I couldn't get through.
Hung out around the hostel talking to other travelers and taking notes in my guide book, then went out for diner by myself. On the way back I ran into a big group from the hostel and had a few beers with them very international (English, Americans, Israelis, Australians, Kiwis, South Africans, Germans, Canadians, and a Jamaican - among others).
