Rowdy rowers trash Twizel after regatta

Drunk Rowing Championship revellers abused residents, smashed bottles and were "like rats coming over fences" trying to get into a Twizel bar that eventually had to be shut down.

Police had to shut down a party of 200 revellers on Tekapo Drive in the early hours of Sunday morning after complaints from neighbours who had been abused.

One person was arrested for disorderly behaviour.

Other residents were also unhappy about some rowers and supporters' behaviour after bottles were smashed around the town. One elderly couple had gnomes in their garden broken and were abused when they confronted those responsible.

The rental property where the party was held was damaged.

Earlier in the evening the Top Hut bar was forced to close at 1am.

Top Hut Bar and Bistro owner Darrin Burgess said two thirds of those who tried to get into the bar had preloaded and were extremely intoxicated, which was a colossal number.

"We refused them them entry, but they were like rats coming over fences and trying to sneak in elsewhere."

Many were abusive, he said.

Burgess said he was disappointed by their antics.

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Rowdy rowers trash Twizel after regatta