Stratford
Nau mai haere mai! Welcome to the heart of Taranaki
Stratford is located at the junction of State Highway 3 and State Highway 43, in central Taranaki, in the North Island of New Zealand.
As the closest main centre to Te Papakura o Taranaki, the National Park, Stratford is the gateway to Taranaki Maunga / Mount Taranaki, The Manganui Ski Field, Te Rere o Kapuni / Dawson Falls, and the Forgotten World Highway (SH43) which winds its way through east Taranaki to Taumaranui. Make sure you stop in at the world-famous Republic of Whangamomona for a bite and a pint at the pub.
Stratford has a plethora of attractions: beautiful parks and gardens, New Zealand's only glockenspiel clock tower, great food and accommodation, top golf courses and many leisure activities to suit those who enjoy both indoor and outdoor pursuits – check out Wai o Rua – Stratford Aquatic Centre, the TET Multi-Sports Centre, and the Victoria Park playground and Stratford Bike Park with the family. There are a number of walks which range from a quiet stroll beside the bush-clad Patea River to a four-day trek in the national park. Cyclists are catered for too with easy to challenging and difficult terrain which suits mountain bikers.
Find your own sweet spot
If you are happier behind the wheel there are numerous little byways and country roads that will take you on exciting journeys through the countryside to interesting and beautiful locations, some of them with historical significance. You're sure to find a place for a picnic or a cafe to enjoy a coffee. Glorious Taranaki Maunga / Mount Taranaki vistas provide inspiration for artists and photographers, and for those who just want to chill out and soak up the scenery.
Stratford provides a warm and friendly atmosphere for families and people who enjoy a slower pace of life.
Did you know?
That most of the streets in town are named after Shakespearean characters? Stratford township is a playground for literary lovers with its Shakespearean identity.
Take a stroll around town to discover the hidden treasures and stories Stratford has to tell.
Parking up
If you’re staying overnight, the best place to park up for free is the War Memorial Centre carpark on Miranda Street. From there it’s a short stroll into Prospero Place, the town’s main centre where you’ll find the Library and Visitor Information Centre, Percy Thomson Gallery, a café and public toilets.
Stratford also has a number of paid campgrounds ready to welcome you with open arms, this includes the Stratford Holiday Park, A&P Showgrounds on Flint Road, Te Wera Valley Campground, and Whangamomona Campground.
