Taranaki Pioneer Village, Stratford
Taranaki Pioneer Village on State Highway 3, just south of Stratford, in Central Taranaki has developed into a significant tourist attraction since 1978.
Today Taranaki Pioneer Village is a recognised vital landmark in Taranaki. Tourists, visitors and the community are offered a unique experience that: preserves & celebrates local cultural heritage; is a powerful educational resource and a perfect venue for functions and events, with on-site café.
40 furnished buildings including the authentic: Mangatoki Church, Pembroke School, Stratford Courthouse, Okato Cottage built in 1856 and Tariki Railway Station.
The Pioneer Express was built by a local engineer based on the Fowler & Bagnal shunting engine. Which would be similar to those used in Stratford in the 1920’s. Volunteer drivers are available most days but it pays to check.
Enhance learning experiences with a visit to the Pioneer Village - 40 historic buildings and artefacts and themed programmes to suit.
SCHOOL VISITS (prices quoted in NZ$, subject to change)
Entry to Village: $3.00 per child
Accompanying adults / teachers: FREE
Plus OPTIONAL EXTRAS:
PIONEER VILLAGE SCHOOL TEACHER - The Village schoolteacher offers a full immersion experience as a class in 1900, 10 am to 2 pm or half day (2 hours)
With Lessons, Dress up & games, 1900s activities to suit different groups & ages.
TRAIN RIDE - The Pioneer Express takes you on a journey twice around the Village. Bookings essential; the train carries about 20 children at a time with supervising adults.
Themed Programmes for adults & children can include:
- Taranaki’s Dairy Industry History
- Pioneering Lifestyles
- Medical History
- Early Taranaki Technology
- Pioneering Architecture
- Transport
Weddings and Events
Weddings at Taranaki Pioneer Village can be held in the Mangatoki Church or in the park-like grounds; with an on-site hall for available for functions.
The 100 year-old church can seat up to 120 people.
Ten acres of park-like grounds give endless opportunities for ceremonies and photos.
- On-site catering available.
- Hall is close to the church.
About Taranaki Pioneer Village - open everyday from 10am to 4pm except Christmas day
Taranaki Pioneer Village is on the main road, just south of Stratford, in Central Taranaki, boasts a large collection of historical buildings and artefacts.
Stratford’s only previous museum, of a small number of items, was housed in the municipal buildings.
Donations by locals encourages ‘The Village’ to display a wide range of artefacts & Taranaki stories.
In 1978 a promotional prospectus invited founder donations and debenture funding. The response confirmed support from both public and society members to assist with the first stage of purchasing the land and homestead.
Stage 1 development also included the car park, band stand, boat shed and renovation of the existing 1910’s villa.
The Pioneer Village was officially open to the public in 1990 with feature buildings of the authentic: Stratford Courthouse, Pembroke School, Tariki Railway Station, Okato Cottage and Mangatoki Union Church.
Since then, the village has continued to evolve including the Stratford Hospital Museum, which was developed after the closure of the Stratford Hospital.
This on-going project is a reminder of the dedication of those who are determined in preserving this asset and ‘Recreating yesterday, today, for tomorrow’.
A Management Board oversees the governance of the Pioneer Village on behalf of the members of the Incorporated Society and the displays are looked after by a group of volunteers.
Taranaki Pioneer Village, Stratford Enquiry Form
Address:
3912 Mountain Road
Stratford
Taranaki
Phone: +64 6 765 5399
Fax:
Web: Visit website
RATES: Quoted in NZ$, Subject to Change.
Admission prices for village
- Adults $10.00
- Children $5.00
- Under 5 - FREE
- Families $20.00
- Groups of 10 or more $8.00
- Train rides - $2.00 per person - weekends 11.30am and 1.30pm and Mon - Fri only when train driver is available.