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Stratford is in Taranaki, New Zealand. Sitting on the banks of the Patea River, Stratford enjoys impressive views of Mount Taranaki/Egmont. The mountain provides a year-round source of recreation, with skiing, hiking, climbing and scenic walks. Trout fishing is popular at the region's rivers and streams, and the town boasts several fine gardens, including Te Popo. South of Stratford, the Taranaki Pioneer Village houses a collection of historic buildings. The Stratford-Taumaranui Heritage Trail also takes in historic sites - a booklet about the trail is available at the visitor centre.

Stratford clock tower

Get in[edit]

By car[edit]

Hire a car in New Plymouth or bring a campervan.

By bus[edit]

Intercity coaches from Wellington and New Plymouth stop outside the i-Site in Miranda Street.

Get around[edit]

Map
Map of Stratford (New Zealand)

Stratford is small enough to walk around. There is no bus system or taxis.

There is a Monday - Friday daily connecting bus from New Plymouth with two services to Stratford and onward to Hawera. The same bus also connects Stratford Town with Taranaki Base Hospital.

See[edit]

All of the streets have Shakespearean names. Romeo St and Juliet St don't intersect for some reason. There is an art gallery next to the I-Site.

  • Glockenspiel clock tower. The only one in New Zealand. The glockenspiel performs for about 5 minutes, after the hour chimes at 10AM, 1PM, 3PM and 7PM.
  • Whangamomona Republic. New Zealand's "other nation." 50 km or so down Route 43. In January of every other year (2007, 2009, 2011...) the population swells to about 5,000 to celebrate its independence. Has a border guard (an outdoor toilet), a president, and its own beer. Get your passport stamped at the hotel.
  • 1 Percy Thomson Gallery. Public art gallery.with exhibitions changing every month.
  • 2 Taranaki Pioneer Village. weekends and daily during school holidays: 10AM–4PM. 10 acre village with 40 buildings dating back to 1853 and a steam train. adult: $15.

Do[edit]

Buy[edit]

Chocolates at the sweet shop are in the shape of Taranaki, the Glockenspiel, kiwi, etc.

Eat[edit]

There is a good bakery and a small ethnic shop selling cheap groceries. There is an Italian restaurant serving excellent pizza, located on the main street

  • 1 New World supermarket. is the town's only big supermarket, selling a large range of groceries.

Drink[edit]

Sleep[edit]

Connect[edit]

There is free internet at the library. Expect a wait and a 30 minute time limit

Go next[edit]

Head south to Hawera or north to New Plymouth. The Forgotten World Highway (Route 43) to Taumarunui is one of New Zealand's most underrated drives.

This city travel guide to Stratford is a usable article. It has information on how to get there and on restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.