Juno Hall

nmagann
nmagann
First Reviewer
4 out of 5
Avg. Member Rating
2
Reviews
4
Photos

Old Style Backpackers

  • January 26, 2008
  • Rated 3 of 5 by Tobeoe from Lake Forest, California
Old Style Backpackers

This hostel was built back in the 80s, and it shows. Cramped dorms with wooden bunks and thin mattresses, a largish kitchen but you will fighting for elbow room if the hostel is full, and a TV lounge with a fuzzy TV and a selection of ancient videos.
However the hostel does have a cozy feel, especially on cold nights when the fire heats the entire building.
For some reason they have never put locks on the doors, and the vault system relies on honesty.
It's a long walk to the Waitomo Village, the shuttle bus advertised on the brochures doesn't exist. But all of the tourism companies will pick up and drop off at the hostel.
Despite the sign at the entrance there is no horse riding here, its done by another company who seem to take out treks when they feel like it, which isn't too often. All of the caving activities are great though, and thats what most people come to Waitomo for.
all of the staff are ex backpackers themselves, some of them just filling in time, and others who have settled in Waitomo.
All the staff are friendly and very helpful, which makes up for the owner who is somewhat less so.
If you want a nice quiet place to chill out for a few days, especially in the off peak season, then this is it. too bad there isn't a surf beach close by as well.
Editor Pick

Juno Hall

  • March 23, 2004
  • Rated 5 of 5 by nmagann from Ventura, California
Juno Hall

Juno Hall is about one mile outside of Waitomo Village, just across the street from the Blackwater Café and Caving. Juno is also the location for the horse treks and you can get picked up for Big Red's 4x4 tours as well. These tours are blast because the guide gears the ride to your ability and grins wildly the whole time.

This hostel resembles a ski lodge. A one-story building with several rooms accommodating 40 people in twin to dorm style rooms. There are half a dozen showers, a laundry room, large kitchen and dining room as well as a TV room. Picnic tables and a smoking area are on the deck outside.

Two phones are located inside with prepaid cards available for purchase from the check-in/travel desk. If you come in after office hours a list of available accommodations with a note to pay in the morning is posted. Tours, transportation, and other accommodations can be booked here. Several popular food items and cold drinks are for sale as well. Considering the nearby café closes at 4pm, this can come in handy. Your other option is to walk a mile to the village, as there are taxis or other forms of transportation. Even in the village there is only a mini market and a few restaurants.

There is also a non-heated outdoor pool with inner tubes, a tennis court, and trampoline and outside barbeque. Seems everything is there or available at this hostel and the owners are very accommodating as well as the other staff.

From journal Waitomo's Wonders

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