The World Bar

The World Bar has been one of Queenstown's best-known party bars since it was first established in 1996. After a fire in 2013 it was rebuilt, and it now occupies No. 12 Church Street in the town centre. It calls itself the Home of the Teapot Cocktail, and sharing a teapot of cocktails with friends is the classic way to start a night out here.

The teapot list is long. The Hitcher, made with vodka, Aperol, pineapple and passionfruit, is billed as the bar's best-selling teapot; The Attenborough, with Midori, vodka, pineapple and lemonade, raises a dollar per teapot for reforestation in the Whakatipu; and Old Dog, New Tricks comes with four glasses of bubbles for a celebration. There are also classic cocktails such as margaritas, mojitos, mules and spritzes, and the taps include New Zealand beers from Emerson's, Panhead and Speight's, plus Guinness and cider. The drinks list covers teapot cocktails and craft beer, and the kitchen serves what the bar calls good honest food, with its burgers the main draw. Happy hour runs from 3pm to 5pm every day, and there is a separate teapot happy hour from 9pm to 10pm, which makes it a popular stop for groups.

Entertainment is a big part of the appeal. The bar hosts live music, DJ parties and skate jams as regular events. Out the back, a cosy beer garden with a roaring fire is the place to be on a cold night.

Opening hours are from 3pm until late on Monday to Thursday, and from midday until late from Friday to Sunday, so it also works for a weekend lunch with a burger and a beer. Tables can be booked online, and the venue can be hired for functions, which suits birthdays and group celebrations.

The World Bar suits backpackers, groups of friends, stag and hen parties and anyone who wants a fun, informal night out. Couples or those looking for a quiet drink may prefer one of the town's smaller wine or cocktail bars. Church Street has other places to eat and drink, including Blue Kanu and Yonder, and Nomads Queenstown hostel is on the same street. Check the bar's What's On page for upcoming events, and its gift cards make a fun present for friends heading to Queenstown.