Top Things to do in Stratford
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What to do and see in Stratford, North Island: The Best Budget-friendly Things to do
Discover the best top things to do in Stratford, New Zealand including Forgotten World Highway, Hollard Gardens, Stratford i-SITE Visitor Information Centre, Dawson Falls Visitor Center, The Goblin Forest, The Whangamomona Road, Stratford Clock Tower, Mount Damper Falls.
Restaurants in Stratford
1. Forgotten World Highway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 426 reviews
Reviewed By Bertavv - Auckland Central, New Zealand
We did the drive from Stratford to Taumarunui in the mother-in-law's 2004 Toyota Corolla and it handled the road perfectly. I-sites at either end have a guide to the Heritage Trail as there is some very interesting history in this area. It takes you through a mixture of NZ backcountry, farmland, native bush, hills, tunnels and over saddles, with just a touch of gravel road and one-way bridges. Take your time and have a look up some of the (rare) side roads, and make sure you stop in the Republic of Whangamomona. There is currently (mid Nov 2019) a detour at the Taumarunui end of the Highway - signposted before Ohura. But when we drove down the Highway from the Taumarunui end the following day the detour was very poorly signposted.
2. Hollard Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 81 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 WayneK160 - Hamilton, New Zealand
Great gardens, well laid out and very interesting. Nice that they had a few signs saying what the plants were. A good map to follow so you can make the most of the place. Such a community asset - a real credit to the Regional Council for providing this (and free).
3. Stratford i-SITE Visitor Information Centre
4. Dawson Falls Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 70 reviews
Reviewed By 673zuzanam - Auckland, New Zealand
Great first stop before embarking on hikes and walks around Taranaki, good coffee and ice cream at the cafe afterwards
5. The Goblin Forest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By carolL6889IL - Waiwera, New Zealand
I went back a 2nd time as I thought the Enchanted Walk was the right place, but it is not. The correct walk is near the Stratford Mountain House. Approx 20-30 minutes, easy access but not wheelchair friendly. Amazing trees, saw a Wood Pigeon and heard many other birds.
6. The Whangamomona Road
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By Sus1952 - Palmerston North, New Zealand
The Whangamomona Road is NOT the Forgotten World Highway, it is the road leading into the hills by the side of the Whangamomona Hotel. The camp ground is accessed on this road and we spent an hour walking along through some very pleasant scenery. It is well worth taking a walk or cycle ride along here to get a real sense of the scenery of this remarkable part of the world.
7. Stratford Clock Tower
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 154 reviews
Reviewed By 563lizziel - Wellington, New Zealand
what an unexpected pleasure. The tower has a true glockenspiel in it. It is a clock, with bells that tells a story. Three of four times a day the windows open and the story of Romeo and Juliet is related to all who stop to listen. Not exactly what we were expecting after the glockenspiel in Innesbrook, Austria but an absolute pleasure. Thanks to the people at the heritage village who advised up to pop back up the road, have lunch and wait for the one o'clock performance.
8. Mount Damper Falls
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 52 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By melanieminkywhale - Auckland, New Zealand
Worth the slight detour to view these stunning falls! The walk across farmland and through native forest is easy and scenic. Took us about 20 mins to reach the falls at a very leisurely pace with young kids. There are two viewing platforms that offer stunning views of the falls from 2 perspectives. Highly recommend!
