Never mind New York, look out London and step aside Sydney, because New Zealand is fast emerging as the coolest destination to visit.

The iconic Matterhorn restaurant/bar in Wellington has just been named as one of the top five bars in the world by Australia's prestigious Bartender magazine.

Frequented by the likes of Gordon Ramsay, Sir Ian McKellen, Elijah Wood, Orlando Bloom, Tess Daly and Vernon Kay, the Matterhorn is a stellar attraction, no doubt helped by resident chef Nick Huffman.

Formerly executive chef at the world-famous Huka Lodge, Huffman serves the stars with hearty Kiwi grub and his own signature sauces.

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.

Winnebagos, in Queenstown, 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.

In Auckland, Honey's DJs will spin you out and serve you 30 types of champagne on a roof deck.

While in Christchurch, the Coyote Street Bar is a design bar done up as a Santa Fe Hacienda where you'll slam tequilas, mix margaritas and dance salsa.

For those who like their cocktails well and truly shaken and stirred, there's the annual 42 Below Cocktail World Cup.

Where else but the adventure capital of the world would host an event that sees barmen from around the world mixing and shaking while bungy-jumping or jet-boating?

Visit Queenstown this September to see who will win this ‘extreme’ cocktail competition.