Waitomo Caves, 600 Waitomo Caves Road RD 5-38.264398,175.122607(Show on Map)
8.9
Excellent
+5 Photos
+5 Photos
+ 3 Photos3
Checkin - Checkout dates
1 Room2 Guests
Info
Summary of reviews
JunoHall Backpackers shines as a welcoming retreat for travelers exploring the Waitomo area, celebrated for its prime location in a serene farm setting. This hostel provides easy access to the renowned Waitomo Caves, making it a perfect spot for adventure seekers drawn to glowworm and black water excursions. The location is complemented by its cleanliness and inviting communal spaces, which foster relaxation between adventures.
The variety of accommodations at JunoHall is generally well-received, particularly the family rooms with their comfort and private bathrooms. While the private rooms maintain a cozy atmosphere, there are suggestions for improving the cleanliness and decor in some rooms. Overall, the hostel succeeds in offering a homely environment, enhanced by cozy communal areas like a spacious common room with a fireplace.
JunoHall's cleanliness is a standout attribute, with guests frequently praising the well-maintained rooms, sparkling amenities, and organized kitchen. Communal facilities, including a tennis court and swimming pool, add to the overall charm, facilitated by the hostel's beautiful setting. Despite minor issues such as intermittent difficulties with room locks, cleanliness efforts make the place feel welcoming.
The exceptional staff, particularly Dave and Anna, contribute significantly to JunoHall's appeal, noted for their hospitable nature and helpfulness. The friendly atmosphere is further enriched by George, the resident dog, who becomes a beloved figure among guests. The well-equipped kitchen and additional facilities like free laundry underscore the commitment to guest comfort.
While WiFi accessibility is mainly in common areas, encouraging social interaction among guests, the availability of free on-site parking complements the convenience of traveling guests. The charming outdoor pool and tennis courts offer delightful leisure activities, rounding out a fulfilling stay.
JunoHall Backpackers is a pet-friendly destination, warmly welcoming animal lovers and their pets. The presence of resident animals, including friendly dogs, horses, sheep, goats, and piglets, enhances the unique appeal for animal enthusiasts. Overall, JunoHall Backpackers provides a memorable experience with its engaging ambiance, comfortable amenities, and heartwarming hospitality.
Categories
Parking
JunoHall Backpackers is tagged as a hotel with parking.
Cheap
As a hostel, it offers budget-friendly accommodation, ideal for travelers looking to save money. The location is near Waitomo Caves, a major tourist attraction in the Waikato region.
Dog Friendly
Pool
Outdoor Pool
Tennis
Outdoor Pool
Accessible
Small
Room Types
Quadruple Room with BathroomThis quadruple room has a private bathroom, a carpeted floor and garden views. The unit has 3 beds.
Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory RoomThis bed in dormitory features a view.
Budget Double or Twin RoomThe twin/double room offers a carpeted floor, heating, as well as a shared bathroom boasting a shower and a hairdryer. The twin/double room has garden views. The unit has 2 beds.
Bed in 6-Bed Female Dormitory RoomRooms are 14 square metres.
Guest Reviews
8.9
Excellent
Review Summaries
Location
JunoHall Backpackers offers a prime location for travelers eager to explore the natural wonders of the Waitomo area. Nestled in a lovely farm setting, this hostel provides convenient access to the famed Waitomo Caves, being only a quick walk or a short drive away. Visitors frequently highlight its excellent proximity to the glowworm and black water adventures, making it an ideal spot for adventure seekers. The charming countryside surroundings add to its allure, offering a sense of tranquility while still being near to key attractions. Guests also commend the hostel's cleanliness and comfortable communal spaces, providing a cozy atmosphere to relax between excursions. JunoHall's favorable location and agreeable amenities make it a strategic base for exploring the breathtaking Waitomo caves and nearby activities.
Rooms
JunoHall Backpackers offers a variety of accommodations that generally meet the needs of its guests, with many reviewers appreciating the cleanliness and organization of the rooms. The family rooms, although basic, are especially praised for their comfort and private bathrooms, making them a suitable choice for families. Private rooms are noted for their comfort and cleanliness, though some bathrooms are described as small, and the cleanliness could be improved in some cases.
The hostel maintains a cozy and inviting atmosphere, with amenities that contribute to a homely feel, including a spacious and pleasant common room complete with a fireplace. The communal areas are largely clean and accessible, although the shared living room’s cleanliness could see some improvement.
While the beds were generally reported as comfortable, mattress quality in the dormitories seems to vary, with some described as worn out. The warmth of the rooms during summer also led to a few suggestions for the addition of fans. Minor issues included some noise from bedroom doors and less than ideal pillows.
Overall, JunoHall Backpackers boasts a great location and delivers a satisfactory experience with its comfortable and nicely arranged accommodations, set within a familiar and inviting environment.
Beds
The beds at JunoHall Backpackers have received mixed feedback from guests. While some have described the beds as comfortable and have praised the pillows as the best among hostels, a significant number of reviews highlight issues with the mattresses. Many guests found the mattresses to be worn out, saggy, or extremely soft, leading to discomfort and back pain. The dormitory beds appear to be particularly problematic, with several mentions of mattresses needing replacement. Despite these concerns, some guests still found the beds reasonably comfortable, noting the cleanliness and the comfort of the lounge. Overall, it's clear that the hostel could benefit from investing in new mattresses to enhance the sleeping experience for guests.
Cleanliness
JunoHall Backpackers stands out for its exceptional cleanliness, a feature consistently highlighted by guests in their reviews. The accommodation offers rooms and facilities that are clean and well-organized, with sparkling clean amenities that include showers, bathrooms, and a fully equipped kitchen. Guests find the common areas to be very orderly, pleasant to use, and well-maintained. The kitchen impresses with its organization and ample storage space, ensuring a comfortable and efficient environment for all visitors.
The communal facilities, including a tennis court and swimming pool, also contribute to the overall allure, enhanced by the hostel's lovely farm setting. Despite minor concerns such as the difficulty in locking room doors, the hygiene and maintenance efforts succeed in making the place feel immaculate and cozy. Guests feel welcomed by the friendly, positive staff and appreciate the informative resources on local attractions. Overall, JunoHall Backpackers delivers an impressively clean and socially vibrant atmosphere, surpassing expectations and making it a top choice for travelers.
Staff
JunoHall Backpackers stands out for its exceptional staff who consistently receive high praise from guests. The welcoming nature of the team is a highlight, with many visitors noting their warmth and attentiveness. The owner, particularly Dave, is often mentioned for his caring attitude and willingness to go above and beyond to ensure guests have a pleasant stay. The reception staff, including Anna, are commended for their friendliness and helpfulness, often providing valuable information about the local area. The atmosphere is further enhanced by George the dog, who has found a special place in the guests' hearts. Guests appreciate the extra touches like a well-equipped kitchen and a generous use of facilities, including free laundry. The staff's consistent enthusiasm for maintaining cleanliness and tidiness adds to the overall positive experience. JunoHall Backpackers truly shines through the genuine hospitality and kindness of its team, making it a favorite for many travelers.
Wi-Fi
At JunoHall Backpackers, the WiFi experience is characterized by its availability primarily in the common areas rather than the bedrooms. Guests have found that while the WiFi in the common room is effective for their needs, the strength and speed can be limited. Accessibility is largely confined to these shared spaces, which encourages social interaction among visitors. However, for those looking to stay connected from the privacy of their own rooms, this may pose a challenge as the WiFi does not extend beyond the common area. The connection may also intermittently turn off after a few hours, requiring patience from those planning to use it extensively. Despite some limitations, guests appreciate the opportunity to gather in communal areas where the WiFi is accessible.
Pool
JunoHall Backpackers is a charming getaway that offers guests a delightful swimming experience. The saltwater pool is frequently highlighted as a pleasant addition, providing a blissful way to unwind, especially on warm summer days. Guests appreciate the pristine condition of the pool and its surrounding grass area, which is ideal for lounging. The quaint pool area offers a serene spot for relaxation, enhancing the overall ambiance of the stay. Reviews consistently note the pool as a noteworthy and lovely feature, complementing the hostel's cozy atmosphere. Whether taking a quick dip or enjoying a leisurely swim, visitors find the pool to be a remarkable asset, adding extra value to their accommodation experience at this idyllic location near the Waitomo Caves.
Tennis
The tennis courts at JunoHall Backpackers are consistently praised by guests for their accessibility and pleasant environment. The courts are available at no additional cost, and the facility provides complimentary rackets and balls, making it convenient for guests to enjoy a game without the hassle of bringing their own equipment. Set against a lovely backdrop, the courts offer a visually appealing venue for tennis enthusiasts. Additionally, the inclusion of a swimming pool alongside the tennis courts provides guests with a variety of leisure activities, enhancing the overall experience at the venue.
Parking
JunoHall Backpackers boasts convenient parking options for its guests, contributing to a hassle-free experience. Visitors have praised the availability of easy and free parking directly on site, with many noting the convenience of parking right in front of the entrance or even directly at the house. This accessibility enhances the overall stay, ensuring that guests can focus on their travel adventures without worrying about vehicle accommodation. The experiences shared reflect a positive outlook on the parking facilities, which are positioned to be a straightforward and accessible feature of the accommodation.
Outdoor Pool
JunoHall Backpackers has a delightful feature that guests consistently appreciate: its inviting outdoor pool. Particularly during warm summer days, the pool proves to be a refreshing bonus for those looking to unwind and cool off. The saltwater pool shines as a pristine corner of relaxation, and its appeal is heightened by the charming presence of nearby farm animals. Visitors enjoy not only the opportunity to swim but also the simple pleasure of dipping their feet in the pool's clear waters. Overall, the well-maintained swimming pool stands out as a welcome and pleasant addition to the hostel's amenities.
Dog Friendly
JunoHall Backpackers is a pet-friendly haven that features a delightful array of animals, making it a charming stop for animal lovers and their furry companions. The standout resident is George, the beloved and friendly dog, who adds a unique charm to the place and is referred to as an excellent manager by guests who thoroughly enjoy his presence. George is not only adored by guests for his playfulness and welcoming nature but also provides great companionship for visiting dogs, ensuring they have as much fun as their owners. In addition to George, guests can enjoy the company of other friendly animals, including horses, sheep, goats, and two adorable piglets, which are appreciated by those who love to pet and interact with animals.
The hostel itself is noted for its cosy and comfortable common areas and features a large, well-equipped kitchen, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere where visitors can relax and socialize. The accommodating and amicable staff further enhance the welcoming environment, making JunoHall Backpackers an excellent choice for a memorable and enjoyable stay. The only minor drawback mentioned is the presence of dog hair, a small price to pay for the joy of having such friendly animals around. Overall, JunoHall offers an engaging and heartwarming experience for guests and their four-legged friends alike.
FAQ
Yes, JunoHall Backpackers has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Outdoor Pool.
No, a spa isn't available at JunoHall Backpackers.
Yes, JunoHall Backpackers welcomes dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at JunoHall Backpackers.
