Above expectations - a magnificant golf course and the staff are outstanding. An exception experience.
Apparently unless you are invited or are the Prime Minister you wont get in the gate. Even at Augusta you can look at the options in the pro shop and they will deliver it to you. Maybe the powers that be at the Hills think they are better than Augusta either way a bad first experience and there is no way I would consider playing there even if I was paid to do so.
The Hills is a world- class golf course, and site of the New Zealand Open. It is tough and long for the average golfer, but it is the proverbial experience of a lifetime. Very expensive by New Zealand standards I think there are only 2 others, Kauri Cliffs and Cape Kidnappers, which are as pricy. So if you are a single digit handicapper you won't want to miss this, even if you have to sell your first born to pay for it.