STRATFORD Stratford is another of those towns in the shadow of Mount Taranaki. Stratford also benefits from tourism and providing services to the township and rural communities in the area. Stratford is also the entry/exit point to the ‘forgotten highway’ to Tauramanui; a road for many is by-passed for other easier handling options. Stratford is another of those towns struggling with the past and current economic outlook. The application Stratford has given to ‘those that served’ is unique in New Zealand, and likewise the treatment to a war hero being the single largest war memorial to a serving individual. Stratford is on the banks of the Pate River, at the junction of the Patea River and Paetahi Stream, approximately 15 km east of the headwaters. On December 3, 1877, the name Stratford-upon-Patea was adopted. The supposed similarity of the Patea River to the River Avon in England. Today New Zealand's only glockenspiel clock tower plays the balcony scene from Romeo and Juliet three times a day. The churches are Stratford is modern history establishments. The Empire Hotel has great profile on the main street. Stratford does not have a museum per se but the 'historic village' on the southern edge of town is an historic combination of old buildings. Allow half a day minimum to enjoy