New Zealand - the best bar none
16 May 2007
Never mind New York, look out London and step aside Sydney, because New Zealand is fast emerging as the coolest destination to visit.
Wellington's iconic Matterhorn restaurant/bar has just been named as one of the top five bars in the world by an international panel of judges and mixologists in Australian-based Bartender magazine's inaugural Top 20 Bars in the World.
Frequented by the likes of Gordon Ramsay, Sir Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler, Elijah Wood, Orlando Bloom, Tess Daly and Vernon Kay, the Matterhorn is a stellar attraction, no doubt helped by its resident chef.
Nick Huffman - formerly executive chef at world-famous Huka Lodge, Taupo - serves the stars with hearty Kiwi grub and his own signature sauces.
Funky Kiwi bars
Venture outside New Zealand’s capital city and you’ll find plenty more funky bars that are filled with Kiwi glitterati and travellers in the know.
Queenstown's Winnebagos is a cosy après-ski club in the winter and an alfresco spot in the summer, when the retractable roof draws back to reveal the starry night sky.
Auckland's Honey’s has DJs who will spin you out and serve you 30 types of champagne on a roof deck.
Christchurch's Coyote Street Bar is a designer bar masquerading as a Santa Fe hacienda where they slam out the tequilas, mix margaritas and dance salsa.
42BELOW Cocktail World Cup
For those who like their cocktails well and truly shaken and stirred, New Zealand is home to the annual 42BELOW Cocktail World Cup.
Queenstown - New Zealand's adventure capital - hosts this annual event that sees barmen from around the world mixing and shaking while bungy-jumping or jetboating.
The 2007 edition of extreme cocktail competition will take place in September.
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