Taranaki Visitor Attraction
Taranaki Pioneer Village is a top Taranaki visitor attraction located on the main road, just south of Stratford, in Central Taranaki.
The village is a prominent tourist destination in central Taranaki that captivates visitors of all ages, blending modern conveniences with a nostalgic journey through time as guests step into the village’s main street.
This iconic Stratford attraction boasts 10 acres of park like gardens and buildings to explore, a large collection of historical buildings, artefacts and Taranaki stories.
Today Taranaki Pioneer Village is a recognised vital landmark in Taranaki. Tourists, visitors and the community are offered a unique experience that:
- Preserves and celebrates local cultural heritage; is a powerful educational resource and a perfect venue for functions and events, with on-site Shakee Pear Café and Harrison Function Centre.
- Forty furnished buildings including the authentic Mangatoki Church, Pembroke School, Stratford Courthouse, Okato Cottage built in 1853 and Tariki and Opunake Railway Stations.
- The Pioneer Express train 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 to take you for a ride.
- Enhance learning experiences with a visit to the Pioneer Village – explore the buildings and view the artefacts on display.
School Visits at Taranaki Pioneer Village
PIONEER VILLAGE SCHOOL TEACHER
- The Village school teacher can offer a full immersion classroom experience.
- Children can dress up in old style clothing for photographs.
- There is a selection of “old fashioned” games like quoits, stilt walking, hula hoops, skipping ropes, and sack races available for the students to enjoy.
- The Pioneer Express train ride included with the visit takes you on a journey twice around the Village carrying about 12 children at a time with supervising adults.
Stratford Weddings and Events
Weddings at Taranaki Pioneer Village can be held in the 100 year old Mangatoki Church, the original Stratford Courthouse and 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 weekends and school holidays from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm 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, and boasts a large collection of historical buildings and artefacts.
The Village displays a wide range of artefacts and 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 opened to the public in 1990 with featuring the authentic original 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 to preserve this asset and ‘Recreate yesterday, today, for tomorrow’.
A Management Board governs Taranaki Pioneer Village on behalf of the members of the Incorporated Society. The Village and displays are looked after by a group of volunteers.
Stratford Museum Admission Prices:
(quoted in NZ$, subject to change)
- Adult: $15
- Child: (3 – 13): $5
- Senior Citizen: $12
- Family Pass: (2 Adults, 2 Children): $30
- Pioneer Express: $5
- Pioneer Express (with general admission): $4
