Top Things to do in Stratford
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Top 10 Things to do in Stratford, New Zealand
Discover the best top things to do in Stratford, New Zealand including Forgotten World Highway, Hollard Gardens, Dawson Falls Visitor Center, Stratford Clock Tower, Stratford i-SITE Visitor Information Centre, Mount Damper Falls, The Goblin Forest, Percy Thomson Gallery, King Edward Park, Stratford Speedway.
Restaurants in Stratford
1. Forgotten World Highway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 315 reviews
Reviewed By homebythelake - Lake Macquarie, Australia
Magnificent river scenery transforms into high country sheep country and then into dense bush. A few kilometres on gravel but the road was in good condition. You will experience narrow tunnels.W e wonder how the original engineers surveyed out the road and more so the old Auckland to Stratford rail line that is visible at times. A great place to stop for a beer or lunch is the Whangamomona Pub. if you have a 4 WD then the detour to the Bridge to No Where is worth it.
2. Hollard Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 57 reviews
A horticultural oasis in the very heart of dairying country. A passionate plantsman's garden and Taranaki showcase. Come and learn about the history, the plants and how to grow them for yourself or just wander and appreciate the beauty. Now owned and managed by the Taranaki Regional Council on behalf of the people of the region. For no charge you can park your campervan in the carpark overnight, help yourself to tea and coffee in the Hollard Centre or use the barbeques by the fantastic children's playground. Enjoy it - it's yours.
Reviewed By dippy_sal - Invercargill, New Zealand
If it had not been for the lady in the Stratford i-site we probably would not have visited these Gardens, but I am so glad that we took time out to visit these beautiful Gardens which are a real testament to a man's love of creating a beautiful garden. The Gardens are free, as is the tea and coffee! you start the tour in a homely wooden cabin, where an old 1960s tv is playing a video. Walking through the Gardens is peaceful, tranquil and full of love. Definitely worth a visit.
3. Dawson Falls Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 52 reviews
Reviewed By Gary M - Sevierville, Tennessee
Several trails either leave from or very near the Visitors center. Very interesting Visitors Center in that they have deconstructed the original climbers cabin from up the Mountain and completely reassembled it here, inside the Visitors center when they built a new one on the Mountain. Don't remember seeing anything like that before. Some nice views of the mountain as well. If you are going to hike the trails spend a little time at the Visitor's Center it is very interesting.
4. Stratford Clock Tower
Overall Ratings
4 based on 120 reviews
Reviewed By gilbertjanetparker - Auckland Central, New Zealand
We planned to get to Stratford for the 10am playing of the Stratford clock tower. As commented by many before difficult to hear Romeo and Juliet say their immortal lines because of the traffic. Best place to stand is across the road by the crossing which makes many vehicles slow down as it looks as if you might cross. Glad I saw the tower but wouldn't go out of my way to see it again.
5. Stratford i-SITE Visitor Information Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By Samuel M
Visited the place on 04 January 2017. The lady took out the necessary flyers and showed me the way on map as well as came out of the centre and showed me the road to take. Very efficient, knowledgable and helpful. Thank you.
6. Mount Damper Falls
Overall Ratings
4 based on 42 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By kinx81 - Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Not sure how someone (previous reviewer) could miss the obvious signs to these falls, touted as the second highest waterfall in the North Island. The Forgotten World Highway brochure from the i-site is good to have, but there is signage on the hwy, and then gravel roads. You have to turn off hwy 43 and onto Moki Rd, then it turns onto Mangapapa Rd, etc. There is a sign by the farmer's gate which is the start of the hike. There is also a pit toilet here.
Very easy walk (1 km) and mud free trail ONCE you get through the farmer's sheep field. Two viewing platforms - worth the effort (minimal) to get to the lower platform as you see more of the waterfall, all the way to the bottom pool. Totally worth the drive!
7. The Goblin Forest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By Chocky1948 - Seasoned traveller from Devon
This attraction is part of the Wilkies Pools track from the DOC visitors centre at Dawson Falls in the Mt Taranaki National Park.
The track has recently been boardwalked so is suitable for all abilities right up to Wilkies Pools which is a river cascading down large boulders into a series of pools.
The track forms part of a circular loop the second part of which is not suitable for all as it's over and through native bush. ( information on the tracks is readily available from Basil at the Dawson Falls visitors centre)
The 'Goblin Forest' is en route to Wilkies Pools and as its name suggest consists of many many tress covered in long strands of lichen making it look like something out of the Hobbit, so if you or your children are Bilbo Baggins fans and want a non-strenuous walk in the native bush then take a trip to Dawson Falls with a picnic and walk where the Goblins live!
8. Percy Thomson Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By Elizabeth D - Maroochydore, Australia
This gallery is tucked away in a back lane opposite the Stratford Clock Tower. It is a bright modern building with a number of rooms within which make up the art gallery. The current exhibition is quite diverse and interesting, featuring differing styles of art and media. There are some quirky pieces, installation, three dimensional artworks and paintings of various topics. The gentleman who was greeting visitors was very eager for us to come in despite it being almost closing time. There is a small cafe attached to the gallery where drinks and snacks ar available during the gallery opening hours. A little piece of Art lovers heaven!
9. King Edward Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By santo t - Auckland, New Zealand
A really nice park, quiet and green, with really beautiful Rhododendron Garden. There is a pedestrian suspension bridge to cross Patea River. 4 different routes / track are available to enjoy the whole park area. At the entry point standing proudly the Malone Gate, built in 1923 as a tribute to Colonel William George Malone, free entry with free on street parking nearby.
10. Stratford Speedway
Overall Ratings
5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By Jason K - Stratford, New Zealand
We went to the Stratford speedway this year and it was definitely a worth while experience if you enjoy car racing. Considered one of the best tracks in New Zealand is a great atmosphere to take your family. The night we went ended with a fireworks display which was amazing. A must do if you are in Stratford. (Doesn't go all year round and is only on the weekends)
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