Pukekura is is the smallest
town on the entire West Coast of New Zealand's South Island - permanent
population two!! This is the home of the famous historic Puke Pub (which
allows deer to wander in and out!) and the Wild Game Restaurant across
the street which serves a variety of Road Kill Grills, including possum,
and their famous possum pie. If you eat a possum pie, you will be
helping out the New Zealand environment as this "introduced" critter
does severe damage to the forests. Stopping at the pub and the Wild Game
Restaurant is a must. You've never seen such a variety of eclectic food items
and very humorous quotes which are scattered around inside the
restaurant and pub (see photo below for some of the quotes contained
within the Wild Game Restaurant).
The pub looks like an old western mining cabin, with old relics
scattered throughout. Notice the coin collection from countries around
the world. We have included a photograph current as of January 2005
which shows the coins they do have. If you have coins that are missing
from this list, by all means bring them with you and donate them to the
Puke Pub.
The "two" that make up the population of this very small town are Pete &
Justine. If you stop here, chances are you will see them serving food in
the Puke Pub or behind the bar delivering drinks.
Aside from the Pub and Restaurant there is also good fishing, hunting
and gold mining in the local area. You are in a rainforest, so expect
rain - try out one of the Rain Forest Bush Walks. You can stay overnight
in this town. Camping, luxury tents, cabins and several campervan
hookups are available.
