Arbour Bar & Woodfired Pizza is an artisan pizza restaurant and bar located at 17 Oxford Street in Lyttelton, Canterbury. The business started as a pop-up before opening permanently in the Lyttelton village, and has built a reputation around slow-fermented pizza dough, innovative toppings, and a deep commitment to local Canterbury produce.
The pizzas combine Italian technique with bold Kiwi flavours — foraged herbs, seasonal produce, and locally made Italian-style cheeses and meats sit alongside classic bases. The result is described on the site as "pizza you can't get anywhere else." The menu is designed with sharing in mind, reflecting the restaurant's view that food is best experienced as a communal activity.
The bar draws on an equally local drinks list: beers from Cassels Brewing Co in Christchurch, wines from Whistling Buoy (a harbour basin vineyard at Charteris Bay), Forager wines from Waipara winemaker Dominic Maxwell, Lothlorian Organic Feijoa Sparkling Wine (the only certified organic feijoa winery in New Zealand), Little Biddy Gin from Reefton Distillery, and Mikaku Tea Blends.
The building itself is distinctive: housed in a new structure with a clear roof, exposed wood finishings, and a repurposed 120-year-old Lyttelton fishing boat serving as the bar, surrounded by plants. The arborist owners describe the intention as making guests feel like they're walking into a giant glasshouse. Sustainability is central to the operation — compostable packaging is sourced from Christchurch-based Frankly Packaging, the business works to minimise waste and reduce delivery emissions, and staff are paid fairly. Bookings can be made online. Takeaway is available by calling 027 388 9048.