Approximately 10,000 people live in the Stratford District, with about 7,000 in the town itself. Stratford is a busy rural town, which services some of New Zealand's most highly prized farmland, predominantly dairying. The district also has a number of successful gas and oil wells and a major gas-fired power station was completed in 1999.
Stratford is 14 kilometres from Egmont National Park and is the main access to Mount Taranaki (also known as Mount Egmont), a 2,518 metre high single volcanic cone, which is sacred to the Maori people. Mount Taranaki is the most climbed mountain in New Zealand with more than 300 kilometres of walking track on offer, and a range of durations and challenges, including a summit walk. The most popular walk is Wilkies Pools – a series of eroded rock pools connected with gentle waterfalls. Mount Taranaki also has a ski field (Mangonui), which is most suitable for advanced skiers. Over 300 rivers and streams flow from the slopes of Mount Taranaki and fishing in the district is very good.
Taranaki also has 300 kilometres of coastline, and some of New Zealand's most consistent surf. Each year the national surf championships are held at New Plymouth, a substantial city in the north of the region, and 45 kilometres from Stratford. Sea fishing and diving are other popular local activities that can be enjoyed a short distance from Stratford.
Stratford has New Zealand's only glockenspiel clock, which takes pride of place in the town centre. The town takes its name from Shakespeare's birthplace and 67 of its streets are named after characters from 27 of his plays. The climate of the district lends itself to prolific growth of many trees and shrubs, notably rhododendrons, and several well-known gardens can be viewed all year round. There are several public parks to be enjoyed, and just south of Stratford is the Taranaki Pioneer Village, which provides a good insight into early European settlement of the region.
Stratford has a good range of shopping and services, with an extensive range available 30 minutes drive away in New Plymouth. All main religious denominations are represented and there are several preschools, 10 primary schools and two high schools in the district. Polytechnic courses are offered by the Western Institute of Technology in New Plymouth. Catholic secondary schools are in New Plymouth, to which there is a daily bus service available. Buses also go to New Plymouth Boys High and Girls High.
www.ero.govt.nzfor an official performance evaluation of each New Zealand school
www.stats.govt.nzfor statistical information about the population of Stratford
www.trc.govt.nzis the website of Taranaki Regional Council, and includes images of the region’s environment
The information on these pages was accurate at the time of listing. As some detail may have since changed, NZLocums recommends the information be used as a guideline only.
