Caterpillar Café
cafe — Pukekohe · Pukekohe
About Caterpillar Café
Caterpillar Cafe is a warm, family-friendly gathering spot positioned in the heart of Pukekohe on Massey Avenue. Dedicated to serving the Franklin community, the cafe focuses on fresh, honest food prepared with care, alongside quality coffee and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether settling in for an unhurried morning meal, meeting colleagues for a relaxed business chat, or stopping by with children, guests find a dependable local dining room close to central town amenities.
The menu embraces all-day dining with a balance of hearty breakfast staples, comforting lunch plates, crispy sides, and dedicated choices for younger visitors. From their signature big breakfasts to quick bites like the popular Tradie Roll, every dish is crafted to offer generous portions and satisfying flavours. In addition to daily dining, Caterpillar Cafe offers tailored catering services and private space bookings for community gatherings, meetings, and family celebrations across Pukekohe and the wider Franklin district.
Caterpillar Cafe: Hearty Hospitality and Comfort Food in Central Pukekohe
Conveniently positioned on Massey Avenue near central Pukekohe, Caterpillar Cafe has established itself as an inviting everyday destination for locals, workers, and families throughout the Franklin district. Designed around honest food, warm welcomes, and reliable service, the cafe provides a comfortable space whether you are seeking an early morning coffee, a leisurely brunch, or a relaxed spot to talk business.
Its central setting makes Caterpillar Cafe particularly handy for people navigating town centre errands, working in nearby commercial spaces, or visiting the surrounding library precinct. Inside, the environment is unpretentious and accommodating, catering comfortably to families with young children as well as regulars stopping by for their daily caffeine ritual.
All-Day Comforts and Big Plates
The kitchen operates on an all-day dining philosophy, delivering generous plates rooted in classic cafe favourites with modern and European influences. The morning trade often centres on substantial dishes such as the Hangry Caterpillar Breakfast—a comprehensive plate featuring eggs, sausage, bacon, hash browns, mushrooms, tomato, and sourdough—designed to satisfy serious morning appetites.
Those looking for quick, filling meals frequently turn to Caterpillar’s Famous Tradie Roll, a brioche bun loaded with bacon, a golden hash brown, melted cheese, and a runny egg. For sweet-toothed brunch-goers, the kitchen prepares golden fluffy pancakes paired with caramelised banana, crispy bacon, and maple syrup, while savoury alternatives like house-made spiced mince on sourdough or creamy mushrooms showcase traditional Kiwi comfort cooking.
Midday Dining and Community Functions
As the midday rush approaches, the menu transitions smoothly into lunch options. Offerings such as Coronation Chicken served with seasonal greens and aioli on warm Turkish bread provide light yet flavourful dining, alongside cafe staples like the classic BLT with golden fries. A dedicated selection of fried sides, including loaded wedges with bacon, cheese, and sweet chilli, complements the larger plates.
Families are readily looked after with a simplified kids menu featuring staples like ham and cheese toasties with chips, scrambled egg on toast, and chicken nuggets. Beyond standard table service, Caterpillar Cafe also accommodates private functions and business events, offering tailored catering menus for local gatherings across Pukekohe and the broader Franklin region.
Signature items
- Hangry Caterpillar Breakfast
- Caterpillar’s Famous Tradie Roll
- Coronation Chicken on Turkish Bread
- Fluffy Pancakes
- Mince on Toast
- Eggs Benedict
Menu
Add Ons
- Hash Brown — Crispy hash brown add-on.
- Avocado — Fresh avocado add-on.
- Bacon — Bacon rashers add-on.
- Mushrooms — Seasonal mushrooms add-on.
- Tomatoes — Grilled tomatoes add-on.
- Sausages — Savory breakfast sausages add-on.
- Eggs — Eggs cooked to your style add-on.
- Haloumi — Grilled haloumi add-on.
- Salmon — Smoked salmon add-on.
Kids Meals
- Ham & Cheese Toastie — Served with fries.
- Kids Bowl of Fries — Simple and crispy.
- Scrambled Egg on Toast — Soft scrambled egg on toast.
Fried And Crispy
- Bowl of Fries — Crispy golden fries.
- Loaded Wedges — Loaded wedges with bacon, sweet chilli & cheese.
- Potato Wedges — With sweet chilli & sour cream.
- Chicken Nuggets & Chips — Crispy cafe favourite.
All Day Food Menu
- Hangry Caterpillar Breakfast — Two eggs, bacon, sausage, hash brown, mushrooms, tomato & sourdough. The big breakfast anchor.
- Eggs Benedict — Poached eggs, wilted spinach, smoky bacon & hollandaise on toasted sourdough. Option to swap bacon for smoked salmon.
- Mince on Toast — Homemade spiced beef mince on sourdough, served with garden salad and poached egg.
- Fluffy Pancakes — Golden pancakes with caramelised banana, crispy bacon & maple syrup.
- Creamy Mushrooms on Toast — Seasonal mushrooms on sourdough with creamy sauce and garden salad.
- Eggs Any Way — Two eggs your style — poached, scrambled or sunny side up — served on toasted sourdough.
- Caterpillar’s Famous Tradie Roll — Brioche bun packed with bacon, hash brown, runny egg & cheese.
- Coronation Chicken on Turkish Bread — Lightly curried chicken, seasonal greens & aioli on warm Turkish bread.
- B.L.T. — Bacon, lettuce and tomato served with golden fries. Optional avocado add-on.
- Open Omelette — Fluffy omelette with choice of ham, cheese & tomato, or roasted capsicum & herbs. Served with a crisp side.
Frequently asked questions
- Where is Caterpillar Cafe located?
- The cafe is located at 12 Massey Avenue in central Pukekohe, Auckland.
- What are the opening hours?
- Caterpillar Cafe is open Monday from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Tuesday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and Saturday from 7:30 AM to 1:30 PM. It is closed on Sundays.
- Does Caterpillar Cafe offer catering services?
- Yes, the team caters for private functions, business meetings, and community events either in-house or at chosen local venues across Pukekohe and Franklin.
- Are there options for children?
- Yes, the cafe features a dedicated kids menu including ham & cheese toasties with fries, scrambled eggs on toast, and nuggets.
- Can I book the cafe space for private events?
- Yes, Caterpillar Cafe offers options to book their Pukekohe venue space for functions and celebrations.
- Is coffee available early?
- Yes, the cafe opens from 8:00 AM on weekdays and opens at 7:30 AM on Saturdays for early breakfast and coffee.
Tips
- {"body":"The cafe opens at 7:30 AM on Saturdays, making it an ideal early stop for breakfast or coffee before weekend activities.","title":"Beat the Weekend Rush"}
- {"body":"If you need a fast and filling breakfast, the brioche tradie roll with bacon, hash brown, egg, and cheese is a top favourite.","title":"Try the Famous Tradie Roll"}
- {"body":"The cafe tailors custom menus for local Franklin private events and business meetings both on-site and at outside venues.","title":"Inquire Early for Catering"}
Good to know
- {"family":"Family-friendly setting with dedicated kids meal options."}