Taranaki Pioneer Village, Stratford

Located on State Highway 3, just south of Stratford in Central Taranaki, Taranaki Pioneer Village 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 Shakee Pear Café / Harrison Function Centre.
40 furnished buildings including the authentic: Mangatoki Church, Pembroke School, Stratford Courthouse, Okato Cottage built in 1853 and Tariki & Opunake Railway Stations.

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 – explore the buildings and view artefacts with themed programmes to suit.

School Visits

PIONEER VILLAGE SCHOOL TEACHER – The Village schoolteacher offers a full immersion experience. The Pioneer Express train ride included with the visit takes you on a journey twice around the Village carrying about 20 children at a time with supervising adults.

(Prices quoted in NZ$, subject to change)

Entry to Village, including teacher, train ride & theme: $10 per child half day (10am – 12pm or 12:30pm – 2:30pm)

$14 per child whole day (10:30am – 2:30pm)

Themed Programmes for adults & children can include:

• Lets Look at Buildings
• Fun & Games
• Transportation
• Old Style Classroom
• Great-Grandparents Day
• Pioneer Justice
• Hospital Health
• Washing Day (including soap making at extra charge)
• The Old Farm (including butter making at extra charge)
• Pioneer Life (including candle making at extra charge)
  

Weddings and Events

Weddings at Taranaki Pioneer Village can be held in the 100 year old Mangatoki Church or Courthouse and also on the park-like grounds. Ten acres of park-like grounds give endless opportunities for ceremonies and photos.

• The Harrison Function Centre is available for catering and is close to the church

About Taranaki Pioneer Village

Open every day from 10am to 4pm except Christmas Day. There may be closures on certain days over winter.

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, bandstand, 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.

RATES: Quoted in NZ$, Subject to Change.

Admission prices for Taranaki Pioneer Village

• Adults $12.00
• Children $5.00
• Under 5 – Free
• Families $25.00
• Groups of 10 or more concessions apply
• Train rides - $3.00 per person (pre-schoolers $2; babies free) weekends, school & public holidays 11am and 1pm and 3pm. Available Mon – Friday for large bookings.

Address:

3912 Mountain Road
Stratford
Taranaki

Phone: +64 6 765 5399

Fax:

Web: Visit website