Nearly all the streets in the settlement of Stratford are named after Shakespearean characters. It’s pretty easy to guess why -Stratford-in-Taranaki was named to honour Shakespeare’s birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon.
If you’re planning to venture into the Egmont National Park, this town is a handy accommodation base or supply stop. It’s also the last fuelling point before the Forgotten World Highway – a wild 150 kilometre journey (with no service stations) that ends at Taumarunui.
Admire the glockenspiel in the town centre - it’s one of a kind in New Zealand. The figures in the glockenspiel are made by the well known curator of the Tawhiti Museum, Nigel Ogle of Hawera. He was commissioned to design and manufacture the figures. There are six in total, three of Romeo and three of Juliet. Nigel's ability to make the lifelike figures has gained an international reputation. The Glockenspiel 'plays' daily at 10am, 1pm, 3pm and 7pm. The glockenspiel performs for approximately 5 minutes, after the hour chimes are finished.The local pioneer village also delivers an interesting history lesson.