Last updated October 2026
Richmond Heights is a residential suburb on the eastern shore of Lake Taupō in New Zealand’s North Island. It lies between the Taupō town centre and Taupō Airport, offering residents convenient access to the lake, local amenities, and the wider district.
The suburb features a mix of established homes and newer developments, with a family-friendly character and proximity to Two Mile Bay. It forms part of Taupō’s eastern growth area, with additional housing planned for the mid-to-late 2020s.
Official Suburb Facts
- Population (2023 Census)
- About 1,950, down 1% since 2018
- Land area
- 1.59 km²
- Location
- 4.2 km south-east of central Taupō
- Council
- Taupo District Council
- Neighbouring suburbs
- Waipahihi, Wharewaka, Two Mile Bay, Maunganamu, Rainbow Point
- Ward or local board
- Taupō General Ward (Taupō District Council)
- Getting there
- East Taupō Arterial, about 4 km from the Taupō CBD
- Main shopping
- Kokomea Village Centre, with a Countdown supermarket
- Nearby landmarks
- Two Mile Bay, Taupō Sailing Club, Great Lake Trail
Who Lives in Richmond Heights
About 1,950 residents in 670 households. From the 2023 Census, with the New Zealand figure alongside for comparison.
Schools in Richmond Heights
There is no school inside the Richmond Heights boundary, but these schools have enrolment zones that cover some or all of it.
Zoned for Richmond Heights
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 Richmond Heights
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 11 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 Richmond Heights
12 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 Richmond Heights
Places and businesses inside the official Richmond Heights boundary.
Places
About Richmond Heights
Richmond Heights sits on the eastern foreshore of Lake Taupō.
Richmond Heights sits on the eastern foreshore of Lake Taupō. The suburb sits within the Taupō District Council area and forms one of the established residential zones east of the town centre. Its location provides easy access to the lake while remaining close to urban facilities.
The area includes a blend of older housing stock and newer subdivisions, such as Richmond Terrace. Residents benefit from local convenience shopping at Kokomea Village Centre, which includes a Countdown supermarket and other retail. Waipahihi School serves the primary-aged children in the suburb.
Taupō District Council has identified land near Richmond Heights for further residential development as part of the East Urban Lands project. This supports ongoing population growth in Taupō without relying on rates funding. The suburb remains relatively quiet compared with central areas, with flight paths from the nearby airport having limited impact on most properties.
Demographic data from the 2023 census shows a median age of 37.7 years and a diverse community, with significant European and Māori populations. The suburb supports a range of household types, consistent with its family-oriented reputation.
Nearby Attractions and Activities
Two Mile Bay lies within easy walking distance and offers a lakeside reserve with picnic facilities and boat access.
Two Mile Bay lies within easy walking distance and offers a lakeside reserve with picnic facilities and boat access. The Taupō Sailing Club operates from the bay, providing sailing and water-based recreation. The Great Lake Trail passes nearby, offering walking and cycling routes along the lake foreshore toward the CBD and beyond.
DeBretts Hot Springs (also known as Taupō DeBretts) sits a short drive east and features geothermal pools. The suburb’s position also allows straightforward access to the wider Taupō district attractions via the East Taupō Arterial.
Near Richmond Heights
Just outside Richmond Heights, within 5 km of its centre, nearest first.
Places
Show 2 more places
Businesses
Explore all Taupō businesses
Where to Learn More
Wikipedia – Richmond Heights, Taupō: Suburb overview, demographics, and growth context from primary sources.
Taupō District Council – East Urban Lands: Official information on planned residential development near the suburb.
Stats NZ – Richmond Heights Census Data: Latest population and demographic statistics for the suburb.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Richmond Heights located in Taupō?
It is an eastern suburb on the shores of Lake Taupō, between the town centre (approximately 4 km) and Taupō Airport (approximately 4 km).
What amenities are available in Richmond Heights?
The suburb includes Kokomea Village Centre for shopping, Waipahihi School, local parks, and easy access to the Taupō Sailing Club at Two Mile Bay.
Is Richmond Heights suitable for families?
Yes, it is a family-oriented suburb with schools, playgrounds, lake access, and a quiet residential setting while remaining close to the CBD.
How far is Two Mile Bay from Richmond Heights?
Two Mile Bay is within walking distance from much of the suburb, offering lakeside reserves and recreational facilities.
Are there plans for growth in Richmond Heights?
Taupō District Council is progressing residential development on nearby East Urban Lands, supporting housing growth through the mid-to-late 2020s.
Is there good access to outdoor activities?
Yes, the Great Lake Trail and lakeshore paths are nearby, along with sailing and swimming opportunities at Two Mile Bay.
How close is DeBretts Hot Springs?
Taupō DeBretts Hot Springs is a short drive east of the suburb.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Explore Taupō only lists suburbs officially recognised by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), and Richmond Heights is one of them. Suburb boundary: LINZ, CC BY 4.0.