Stratford (Neuseeland)

Stratford is the only town in Stratford District, and the seat of the Taranaki Region, in New Zealand's North Island. It lies beneath the eastern slopes of Mount Taranaki/Egmont, approximately halfway between New Plymouth and Hawera, near the geographic centre of the Taranaki Region. The town has a population of, making it the 47th largest urban area in New Zealand, and the fourth largest in Taranaki .The Stratford District has a population of, and a land area of 2,163.35 km², which is divided between the Manawatu-Wanganui Region and the Taranaki Region .GeographyRoad and railStratford is at the junction of State Highway 3 and State Highway 43.On State Highway 3 New Plymouth is 39 km north, Inglewood 21 km north, Eltham 11 km south and Hawera 30 km south.On State Highway 43 Taumarunui is 146 km to the east. This road is known as "The Forgotten World Highway", due the scarcity of settlement along the road in contrast to its earlier history. A sign reads "No Petrol for 140 km".Stratford railway station is the junction of the Marton–New Plymouth and Stratford–Okahukura lines.