Pros:
Riskiest first hole in New Zealand
Beautiful isolated course set against the Waitakere Ranges
Good layout playing up the hill then back down.
Great new astroturf tee pads
Cons:
Riskiest first hole in New Zealand
The tee for #8 isn't in an obvious spot from #7 basket. (It's down the hill and to the right from #7, plays through a valley running across the slope, actually an awesome hole but hard to find the first time)
Hole #11 is a bit of a slog which seems to be more of just a way to use up space
Other Thoughts:
The herd of steer are pretty tame and can be moved on if you need to, can be an intimidating gallery if they're all up on the ridge above you though.
There's a campground at the top of the course so it could be a great one if you're from out of town and want a spot to stay, but the walk up with camping gear could be pretty hard.
There's a portaloo that's there on occasion
The rough can be pretty full of blackberry and gorse