Mountain House Stratford (officially Ngāti Ruanui Mountain Lodge Stratford) is a peaceful alpine-style lodge located high on the eastern slopes of Mount Taranaki, inside Egmont National Park / Te Papakura o Taranaki. We stayed here as part of our family trip through the Taranaki region, and it ended up being one of those stays that quietly defines the whole experience.
What attracted us to Mountain House Stratford was its national park location, its reputation as a calm, nature-based stay, and the fact that it is Ngāti Ruanui–owned, meaning your visit directly supports iwi-led community, cultural, health, and environmental initiatives.
Location
Proximity to attractions
Mountain House Stratford sits at around 946 metres above sea level, surrounded by native forest and alpine terrain. It’s an ideal base for families wanting to explore Mount Taranaki without staying in town. From here, you have easy access to:
- Manganui Gorge suspension bridge
- Kamahi Loop Track (Goblin Forest)
- Wilkies Pools Loop Track
- Dawson Falls Walk
- Access roads for the Pouakai Circuit and Mount Taranaki summit climb (conditions permitting)
This is very much a stay-in-nature experience, with misty forests, waterfalls, and dramatic mountain views forming part of everyday life.
Transportation & access
A car is essential. The lodge is accessed via Pembroke Road, a sealed but winding road as you climb the mountain. Each room at Mountain House Stratford has parking directly outside, which is extremely handy when travelling with kids and bags.
Accommodation features
Room types & family suitability
Mountain House Stratford offers several accommodation options that suit different types of travellers, including families:
- Studio Rooms – best for couples or solo travellers
- Twin Room – two single beds, suitable for siblings or friends
- Family Room – open-plan with one king bed and two singles
- Family Cabin – stand-alone accommodation with separate sleeping areas
For families, the Family Room and Family Cabin are the best choices. The Family Room is a single, open-plan space, while the Family Cabin offers separate rooms. I stayed in the Family Cabin and with a separate room for the kids and large windows that look directly into the forest, I felt like we had the pick of the rooms.
Amenities
Rooms are warm, comfortable, and practical, with a strong focus on comfort after outdoor adventures rather than luxury extras. Amenities include:
- Gas heating (ever so cosy)
- Tea and coffee-making facilities
- Fridge
- TV
- Free Wi-Fi (didn’t reach the Family Cabin very well)
- Ensuite bathrooms, with baths in selected rooms
The Family Cabin also includes a kitchenette, dining table, lounge area, and accessible features, including wheelchair access and a walk-in shower.
Safety features
Mountain House Stratford feels calm and safe, with minimal traffic and clearly defined paths. It’s well-suited to families with school-aged children or older who enjoy independence and outdoor exploration.
On-site activities & entertainment
Children’s activities
There are no kids’ clubs or structured entertainment and that’s part of the appeal. This is a place where you go to unplug as a family and experience the beautiful mountain. Our days were filled with short walks, spotting native birds, exploring nearby tracks, and simply enjoying being outside.
Facilities
- Immediate access to walking tracks
- Views of Mount Taranaki
- Warm communal dining and lounge spaces
Entertainment
Evenings are quiet and relaxed. After a day of exploring, my kids were content to enjoy dinner at the onsite restaurant and chill out in the Family Cabin until bedtime.
Dining options
Family-friendly dining
Dining is a standout feature of Mountain House Stratford. The on-site restaurant offers all-day dining from Wednesday to Sunday, including breakfast, café-style lunches, and refined à la carte dinners.
Despite the elevated menu, the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming for families, and a kids’ menu is available. Meals are hearty, warming and well-suited to families.
Kitchen facilities
Most rooms do not include kitchens, but the Family Cabin has a kitchenette suitable for simple meals (like two-minute noodles) and snacks.
Nearby restaurants
For additional options, Stratford township (around 25 minutes’ drive) has family-friendly cafés, bakeries, and takeaway spots.
Staff & service
Staff were warm, welcoming, and knowledgeable about local conditions, offering helpful advice on family-friendly walks. It was also nice to be so warmly welcomed into the restaurant with the kids, as it does have an upmarket feel about it.
Value for money
Considering the unique location inside Egmont National Park, the boutique-style accommodation, and high-quality dining, Mountain House Stratford offers strong value for money.
In addition, the profits are reinvested into Ngāti Ruanui initiatives, supporting education, health, community wellbeing, and environmental protection. Your stay actively contributes to caring for Mount Taranaki for future generations.
Overall experience
What we loved about Stratford Mountain House
- Exceptional Mount Taranaki national park location
- Calm, unplugged atmosphere
- Family Room and Family Cabin options
- Excellent on-site dining
- Indigenous-owned with meaningful community impact
What could be better
- If staying in the stand-alone family cabin, you’ll need to keep your front blinds closed, otherwise anyone can see in
- No cooking facilities in the rooms
- Restaurant is a little on the pricey side (it is upmarket though, so not unexpected)
Would we recommend staying here?
Yes, you can’t beat this location for exploring Mount Taranaki. Mountain House Stratford is best suited to families wanting a peaceful, meaningful base for exploring Mount Taranaki. If your family values scenery, shared experiences, and slowing the pace, this is a standout accommodation choice in Taranaki.
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If you’re planning a family stay near Mount Taranaki and want an experience that feels grounded and peaceful, Mountain House Stratford is well worth considering.
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