Dr Morse Tattoo Studio was established by Simon Morse in 2008. Simon is a New Zealand artist described online as a 'comic book genius,' better known internationally in the USA and Japan than at home — a search of his name opens up the wider world of adult comic art he's built a following in. In more recent years he has directed that same artistic energy into tattooing, building a large following through his custom art, which draws clients from all over New Zealand.
The studio itself reflects that artistic personality, with art, figurines and decor that give the space its own distinct character. It's tucked away on Level 1 of the James Smith Corner Building in Te Aro, Wellington — head past the shoe shop and Rebel Sport and up the stairs to find it.
Beyond Simon's own work, the studio hosts guest artists and events, and covers a broad range of tattoo styles from flash designs to fine line work, floral pieces, pet portraits, pop culture tattoos, script and cover-ups. Dr Morse also puts real emphasis on first-time clients — matching newcomers with the right artist for a consultation before any ink goes down — and on hygiene, using modern sterilization practices, Bloodborne Pathogens and Infection Prevention certification, and vegan, biodegradable inks where possible.
Dr Morse Tattoo Studio was founded in 2008 by Simon Morse, a New Zealand artist with a distinct backstory — before tattooing, Simon built a name for himself in comic book art, becoming better known internationally in the USA and Japan than at home. Searching his name online opens up a wider world of adult comic art he was part of. In more recent years, he's channelled that same artistic energy into tattooing, and it shows: his custom work has built a large, dedicated following and now draws clients from right across New Zealand.
Walk into Dr Morse and it's clear the space reflects the artist behind it. The art, figurines and studio decor all carry Simon's distinctive creative personality, making the studio itself part of the experience rather than just a backdrop. It's located on Level 1 of the James Smith Corner Building in Te Aro, Wellington — past the shoe shop and Rebel Sport, then up the stairs.
The studio's range spans flash tattoos ready to book directly, through to fully custom work: fine line tattoos, floral designs, pet portraits, pop culture and comic-inspired pieces, script lettering, and cover-ups for reworking existing tattoos. Dr Morse also brings in guest artists and runs events, adding variety beyond Simon's own portfolio for clients looking for a different style or hand.
Dr Morse puts particular emphasis on making a first tattoo experience easy, fun and informative, whether someone wants to start small or dive straight into something bigger. If you're not sure which artist to book with, the studio's process starts with a visit or an email — you can bring reference images of what you like, and the team will help match you with the right artist. From there, you'll get a consultation with that artist to talk through your ideas and make sure everyone's aligned before booking the actual tattoo.
The studio uses modern tattoo equipment and sterilization practices, and is certified in Bloodborne Pathogens and Infection Prevention, with equipment regularly tested against standard requirements. All inks used are vegan, and the studio uses biodegradable products where it can — details the team is happy to discuss if hygiene or ingredients are a concern.
Bookings run through an online enquiry form covering your contact details, whether you're after a tattoo or a consultation, a preferred artist if you have one, and a message describing what you're after. The studio notes that confirmation emails sometimes land in spam folders, so it's worth checking there after submitting. Afterpay is available as a payment option for those who'd rather spread the cost of their tattoo.
Dr Morse is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm, with other times available by appointment. The studio can be reached by phone or email, and is easiest to find by heading into the James Smith Corner Building at the corner of Cuba and Manners Streets and up to Level 1.
What comes through clearly is a studio built around one artist's distinctive comic-art background, extended into a broader tattoo practice with real range — from ready-to-book flash work to highly custom pieces — backed by a genuinely welcoming approach for people getting tattooed for the first time, and solid hygiene credentials for anyone who wants that reassurance before booking in.