Chillawhile Backpackers Art Gallery in Oamaru, Neuseeland

Welcome to Chillawhile Backpackers & Art Gallery in Oamaru! We are a veritable haven for the creatively inclined or curious and all lovers of life, people, music, art, food, literature and wine as well as a backpackers hostel with atmosphere, heart and soul!

Chillawhile began as a dream, a vision on my travels - to transform every great building into a hostel.

Chillawhile means 'to relax for a time'. Now Chillawhile lives and breathes a life of its own, it is a continually evolving space that reflects its inhabitants and is designed to entice, stimulate and encourage those within its walls to explore, inwardly and outwardly, the inherent creativity that lurks within us all; it is a space for everyone. Come and be inspired by the creativity around you!

The walls are adorned with colourful artwork and there is a plethora of paraphernalia at your disposal to create your own visual or melodic masterpiece.

Art for Artists, Music for Musicians.

Creative hostel in Oamaru - featured on Australian Television 2011, Getaway Australia Travel Program.

The Chillawhile Victorian home was built in 1883 during the colonial times of the British Empire, created by Welsh Historian W.H.S Roberts, the original name of the house was Marapua which is the Maori word for flower.

Chillawhile Art Gallery is an open Art Studio for creative guests and the Chillawhile Lounge is a meeting place for travelling musicians.

Weather you are an artist, musician or have an appreciation for music and art you will fall in love with Chillawhile Backpackers Art Gallery.

Free WiFi voucher when you share our YouTube video on Facebook.