Living Here

Discover Stratford

Stratford is a safe, welcoming community in prime location to all Taranaki has to offer. Its climate along with the hard-working ethic of the local people, have created a foundation for the vibrant farming and dairy industries. It’s proximity to Mt Taranaki makes Stratford one of the best access points to the 2518m climb and other outdoors activities. Plus its central location means when you’re in Stratford you’re never far from your next destination.

Its stunning natural setting is unique to Stratford, with a constant, closeup view of the iconic Mount Taranaki. As a beautiful, highly symmetrical, stand-alone mountain, Mt Taranaki (also known as Mt Egmont) offers picture-perfect opportunities. Stratford is also home to some of the best access points to Mt Taranaki, including a number of scenic walks that take you through dense New Zealand rainforest, waterfalls and wetlands as well as offer breathtaking viewpoints of the wider region.

Another iconic feature of Stratford is the town’s Glockenspiel Clock Tower that plays a scene from Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’ daily. Part of the unique character of Stratford comes from its namesake – Stratford Upon Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare. As a tribute, all streets are named after Shakespearean plays and characters, contributing to the subtle charm of the town.

The quiet nature and close-knit community provide a safe and welcoming place for visitors and families. There are a number of schools, parks and playgrounds for the kids as well as an indoor swimming pool, TET King’s Theatre, Pioneer Village and Percy Thomson Art Gallery. The local library has plenty of activities and the calendar year is generally full of fun events suited for all ages.

With so much to see, do and explore, Stratford is the perfect place to start your next journey.

The Egmont National Park originates from the beautiful Mount Taranaki, a volcano that has been standing for approximately 120,000 years on the west coast of the North Island. The Mountain has a rich history originating from Maori legend. It last erupted in 1775, and has since been labelled dormant by volcanologists. In 1881 the land was formally protected and its slopes (within a 9.6km radius of the summit) were made a forest reserve.

The growth of huts, tracks and roads has made Mt Taranaki accessible to climb, and it is often referred to as New Zealand’s ‘most climbed mountain’ due to the achievability of the climb providing non-mountaineers opportunity to challenge themselves during the summer period.

Egmont National Park is home to a network of trails and tracks from a 15 minute stroll along the Kamahi Track to the epic three day Pouakai Circuit, there’s something to suit everyone. Dawson’s Falls and Wilkies Pools are some of the most popular trails featuring eroded rock pools and beautiful, gentle waterfalls.

Throughout the lower trails Kamahi trees and lush forestry make a gorgeous setting, and higher up the volcano sub alpine shrubs and herb fields can be found above the snow line. A vast amount of the park is covered in rainforest due to the area’s high rainfall and mild coastal climate. Plan your next journey in Egmont National Park here.

Eastern Taranaki

New Zealand’s first heritage trail the ‘Forgotten World Highway’ stretches through Eastern Taranaki. At 148 km long it’s perfect for a driving or cycling journey along the scenic landscape from Stratford through to Taumaranui.

The highway boasts kilometres of unspoilt sub-tropical rain forests including the beech ridge-tops of the Whangamomona Saddle and the Tangarakau Gorge.

There are about 20 different sites situated along the Forgotten Highway which offer a peak into the region’s heritage. Some of these sites include disused coal mines, riverboat landings and Whangamomona Village, a small, historic village famous for it’s claim as a ‘republic’ of New Zealand.

The route crosses four saddles, runs through the Moki Tunnel, follows the Whanganui River for 20km and runs alongside an abandoned railway line. There’s no shortage of spectacular natural and historic scenery on this gorgeous highway through Eastern Taranaki.