Construction on the suburb began in 1960,[3] with the first sections of the Hillpark subdivision going on the market on 2 December 1961.

The advertisement from South Auckland Courier in 1961 advertised Hillpark as a modern subdivision "developed in accordance with overseas practice in having all underground services, selected street lanterns, spacious proposed neighbourhood shopping area and extensive public reserves".

[4] The southern motorway extension between Redoubt Road and Takanini was formally opened on 30 May 1963.

Houses were generally constructed from the late 1950s to 1970s following the creation of a garden subdivision around significant stands of native forest.

Hillpark suburb is a native sanctuary, which is home to large areas of native forest and parkland including Orford Park, David Park and Hillcrest Grove Reserve.

[8] The NZGB followed a Hillpark Residents' Association proposal to make official the suburb name at its meeting in July, 2020.

The Association described its unique natural and heritage characteristics which have helped build a suburban identity and which should be recognised.

[9] The Nathan Homestead is a historic mansion built in 1925 and is situated on nine acres of lawn and gardens.

It later served as Manukau City Council offices before being restored and reopened as a community and cultural centre in 1978.

The lodge itself shows the hallmarks of the architecture of its time, strongly influenced by Arts and Crafts architect James Chapman-Taylor.

The lodge and some of the land was sold but the native bush surrounding the property was designated as a council Orford Park.

Some examples of mature totara, puriri, kahikatea, pukatea, and kanuka forest are found in a cluster of council reserves in Hillpark.

[12] Thenative forest parks of Hillpark along with the nearby Auckland Botanic Gardens are the home of native and introduced birds tūī, rosella, kererū, and ruru.