Last updated October 2026
Hilltop is a well-established residential suburb in Taupō, positioned on elevated ground above the town centre with views across Lake Taupō. It is one of the most sought-after residential addresses in the town, elevated enough to provide views yet within walking distance of the Taupō CBD, the lake foreshore, and local schools.
State Highway 5 passes along the eastern edge of the suburb, and Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort lies nearby to the east on Napier-Taupo Road. The suburb features an established mix of housing and a family-oriented character.
Official Suburb Facts
- Population (2023 Census)
- About 2,620, up 5% since 2018
- Land area
- 2.22 km²
- Location
- 2.9 km south-east of central Taupō
- Council
- Taupo District Council
- Neighbouring suburbs
- Waipahihi, Tauhara, Taupō, Maunganamu
- Ward or local board
- Taupō General Ward (Taupō District Council)
- Getting there
- Taharepa Road and Ngauruhoe Street, with State Highway 5 along the eastern edge
- Main shopping
- Taupō CBD, downhill and within walking distance
- Nearby landmarks
- Lake Taupō foreshore, Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort
Who Lives in Hilltop
About 2,620 residents in 920 households. From the 2023 Census, with the New Zealand figure alongside for comparison.
Schools in Hilltop
Three schools sit inside the Hilltop boundary. Most have an enrolment zone, so check an address is in zone before you buy or rent.
Also zoned for Hilltop
Show all 4 zoned schools
Source: Ministry of Education school directory and enrolment zones (CC BY 4.0 and CC BY 3.0 NZ), October 2026. Zones change, so confirm with the school before relying on one.
Bin Day in Hilltop
by 7.30am on collection day, close to the kerb and clear of the footpath
Source: Taupō District Council collection areas. Streets near a suburb edge can differ, so check the council lookup if unsure.
Safety and Hazards
About the Taupō average for the number of people who live here. Another 176 reports were at shops and businesses.
Sources: NZ Police victimisation data, CC BY 4.0, September 2025 to August 2026 (crimes inside homes are only published for burglary).
Buses from Hilltop
8 bus stops inside the suburb.
Source: Waikato Regional Council Busit timetable data. Typical weekday daytime frequency.
Handy Facilities
Source: Taupō District Council public toilets; NZTA EVRoam charging sites.
Weather and Rent at a Glance
Sources: NIWA climate averages 1991-2020 (via Figure.NZ); Tenancy Services rental bond data (MBIE), CC BY 4.0, September 2025 to August 2026. City-wide figures.
In Hilltop
Places and businesses inside the official Hilltop boundary.
Places
About Hilltop
Hilltop’s appeal stems from its geographic position on elevated ground above central Taupō.
Hilltop’s appeal stems from its geographic position on elevated ground above central Taupō. Many properties enjoy views over Lake Taupō and the surrounding volcanic landscape, including Tongariro and Ruapehu on clear days.
The suburb contains a mix of post-war bungalows and contemporary homes, with Ngauruhoe Street regarded as a premium address due to its outlook and proximity to the lake and CBD.
The area maintains a family-oriented atmosphere. Hilltop School serves local primary students at 88 Rokino Road, while Taupo Intermediate and Tauhara College are within easy reach. Residential streets generally lack through-traffic, contributing to a quiet neighbourhood feel despite the central location.
Hilltop sits between the town centre and the eastern suburban fringe, providing convenient connections in both directions. It ranks as the fifth-largest suburb in Taupō by housing stock and consistently ranks among the most sought-after locations for families seeking elevated, sun-drenched properties with community appeal.
Near Hilltop
Just outside Hilltop, within 5 km of its centre, nearest first.
Places
Show 2 more places
Businesses
Explore all Taupō businesses
Where to Learn More
OneRoof – Hilltop Suburb Profile: Residential property market data and suburb profile for Hilltop, Taupō.
Love Taupō – Official Visitor Site: Visitor information for the wider Taupō district including nearby attractions.
Wikipedia – Hilltop, New Zealand: Overview of the suburb with geographic and demographic details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Hilltop in Taupō?
On elevated ground above the town centre, between the CBD and the eastern residential suburbs. Taharepa Road and Ngauruhoe Street are key addresses in the suburb.
What is Hilltop like as a suburb?
An established, family-friendly residential area with elevated lake views, walkable to the CBD and lakefront. One of Taupō’s more sought-after addresses.
What schools are in Hilltop?
Hilltop School (primary) is located in the suburb at 88 Rokino Road. Taupo Intermediate and Tauhara College are within walking distance or a short distance away.
How far is Hilltop from the Taupō CBD?
Walking distance — the main street and lakefront are accessible on foot from most parts of the suburb.
Does Hilltop have lake views?
Many properties enjoy views over Lake Taupō, with volcanic peaks visible on clear days.
Is State Highway 5 near Hilltop?
State Highway 5 runs along the eastern edge of the suburb, providing easy access toward Napier.
Are there thermal attractions nearby?
Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort, featuring hot pools and accommodation, lies just east of the suburb on SH 5.
What housing styles are common in Hilltop?
The suburb features a mix of post-war bungalows and contemporary homes, with Ngauruhoe Street noted for premium properties.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Explore Taupō only lists suburbs officially recognised by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), and Hilltop is one of them. Suburb boundary: LINZ, CC BY 4.0.