Auckland to Rangitoto

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We leave all our bags at the Hyatt but our backpacks. We walk several (downhill) blocks to the ferry pier. We take the ferry to Rangitoto, mostly with people that will make this a day trip. The climb up the crater is harder than we expected. We are not used to carrying 40-pound packs on our backs. Although we are slower than usual, the packs are really pretty comfortable to wear.
We head off to Motutapu and soon realize that we are at the point of no return. The last ferry has gone back. We are not hiking as fast as usual with the packs on our backs, but will get there and have camp set up before dark. The bay is beautiful and there are only two other campers there. One came in by kayak. We are exhausted and go to bed when to sun goes down.

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