Auckland in luxury without breaking the bank

I am a bit of a hypocrite when it comes to Auckland. Ask me what I think of our biggest metropolis and the reply is instinctively, "I don't like going there, too busy, would hate to have to live there."
However, if a suggested visit, heading up from Tauranga, is for an overnighter in the CBD, then my opinion softens. Throw in the thought of staying at a nice hotel and I'll start warming to the idea.
Make the trip for a concert or show and now I'm enthusiastic.
And if the trip to the big smoke is to see a good musical at Auckland's gorgeous Civic Theatre, then I get downright excited.
Our recent family weekend stay in Auckland had all the right ingredients - an overnight mini-stay, accommodation at the impressive CityLife Hotel on Queen St and tickets to a show at the Civic.
We had a one-bedroom suite booked for us (two adults and two teens) at CityLife, which seemed ideal. The suite offered kitchen facilities and a lounge area perfect for pre-show drinks and nibbles with friends who were meeting us in Auckland, also staying at CityLife and going to The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
All of us who stayed at CityLife were impressed by the great staff, rooms and facilities.
Our stay was made even better when we found we had been upgraded to a director's suite on the 23rd floor with fab views, three bedrooms, swish bathrooms and a large luxurious lounge, complete with 50-inch plasma TV, for entertaining.
Dining and drinking for long periods in Auckland bars and bistros can soon stack up the holiday bill, so the option of having drinks and even meals at your accommodation is great for budget-conscious travellers. CityLife is ideally situated for show-goers, being just two blocks from the Civic and the neighbouring Aotea Square. We had a great time at the Rocky Horror Picture Show, with the big bonus for me that it was the first time we'd seen my uncle, Richard O'Brien, perform in the cult show he also wrote.
Many of those going to the show had dressed for the occasion in costumes, which added to the experience.
We enjoyed a quick family get-together over takeaways after the show before heading to the cosy The Bluestone Room (in Durham Lane) for a relaxed drink. Then it was back to the suite for more drinks and nibbles.
Our plan to have breakfast in the Viaduct area hit a snag - it was Santa Parade Day and the streets were closed from 11am. It meant an early start or being stuck in the CBD until 4.30pm.
The alternative was to head to Sylvia Park for brunch and a bit of shopping.
Cafe Casablanca, which we had visited once before, proved a wonderful choice for brunch. The name may suggest Moroccan food but the theme and menu is Turkish-inspired.
The decor and atmosphere is warm and inviting, with the staff friendly and helpful.
I went for the creamy mushrooms on toast, not very adventurous but great, while Izmir Eggs (Turkish-style scrambled eggs with sauteed potatoes and Turkish bread) was well received by several in our group.
You can check out the menu online.
The breakfast bill was $84 for four, including coffees and cold drinks - dearer than the food hall but much better.
Weekends away to big cities are never meant to be cheap. But by mixing in takeaways or in-room dining for at least one meal, the overall outlay can be drastically reduced.
Also, using online booking sites like Wotif can open the door to accommodation bargains, but don't forget to then compare prices on the hotel's own website as often they have other specials going.
CityLife and Heritage Hotels (www.heritagehotels.co.nz) invariably have specials, many providing great deals for families and others targeted at those wanting some romance.
And whether you are a couple wanting a night away or a family having a minibreak, shows at the Civic make a great reason to visit the big city.
This spectacular building opened in 1929, unfortunately bankrupting its first owner.
After a major refurbishment true to its heritage origins, the theatre reopened on December 20, 1999, the 70th anniversary of its first performance.
Upcoming shows at the Civic include Beyond the Darkside, the ultimate of Pink Floyd shows, on February 12 (one night only) and then in May the hit musical Miss Saigon begins a three-week season.
Miss Saigon, which had its first showing at the West End in 1989, will feature a New Zealand cast and will play nightly (except Mondays), with an extra matinee on the three Saturdays.
Factfile
Civic Theatre
* Opened in 1929.
* Reopened in 1999 after major reconstruction.
* Was used for the scenes representing a New York Theatre in Peter Jackson's King Kong  remake.
* Seating for 2378.
* Atmospheric style, in which lights and design were used to convey an impression of being seated in an outdoor auditorium at night, creating the illusion of an open sky complete with twinkling stars. The only atmospheric-style theatre remaining operational in Australasia and one of only seven in the world.
* Features an India-theme foyer.
CityLife Auckland
* The hotel features 201 rooms over 24 floors.
* There is a heated indoor swimming pool, well-equipped gym and restaurant.
* There are various room types, ranging from hotel rooms to three-bedroom apartment style suites. All feature high-quality fittings and contemporary designs. The suites have  full kitchen and laundry facilities, and also balconies.
* There is valet parking at reasonable rates.