Pukekura Area Guide
Despite a permanent population of just two people, Pukekura is a fully-fledged township clinging to the roadside between Ross and Franz Josef on New Zealand's West Coast.
For much of its history, the town has served as a staging post for weary or curious travelers, and today is no different. The Puke Pub and Wildfood restaurant offers an innovative menu, rich in the natural bounty of the surrounding forests. It also features a few meaty treats from State Highway 6 (roadkill) under the motto "you kill 'em, we grill 'em".
Opposite the restaurant is the Bushmans Centre, home to a cafe, souvenir shop and museum. There you can catch up on your local history, see some possums and other animals, eat them (this is the home of Pete's Possum Pies) and find unique souvenirs and sculptures.
The cafe is an ideal place for a short break from driving, provided you aren't squeamish about the politically incorrect signs and notices within. And whatever you do, don't miss the giant sandfly that adorns the side of the centre.
The township keeps the frontier spirit alive with little time for the superficiality of modern tourism. It's not everyone's cup of (possum?) tea, but definitely an experience. There's also self-catering and camping accommodation for those wishing to make their stay longer and use Pukekura as a base for exploring the nearby sea, lakes, rivers and mountains.
Listings
Wild Food Restaurant popular
http://www.pukekura.co.nz/puke_pub/wild_food_restaurant.htm
Specialising in serving wild foods from the West Coast region, including possum, venison, chamois and other "road kill" menu items.
Bushmans Centre Museum
http://www.pukekura.co.nz/bushmans_centre/museum.htm
Museum depicting the fur trapping days and the process of possum trapping. Three live possums are resident here, along with a wild pig, and live eels.
Pukekura Lodge
http://www.pukekura.co.nz/accommodation/index.htm
Wide range of accommodation, including 4 cabins with shared facilities, luxury furnished safari tents, bunk-house accommodation, a holiday house, and spaces for caravans or tents. All guests have complimentary use of the outdoor hot rock pool.