The Gallery Tattoo is a custom tattoo studio and art gallery in the heart of Te Aro, Wellington, where tattoo artists create designs limited only by imagination. Housed in a light-filled, inclusive and queer-friendly exhibition space on Level 2, the studio surrounds visitors with original works from local artists alongside the soft hum of tattoo machines at work.
The resident artist team — Juse, Jesse, Matt and Kenny, supported by apprentices Grace and Olivia — specialises in a diverse range of styles, from fine line and illustrative tattoos to black and grey realism, geometric patterns, and tā moko and Polynesian designs. Whether a client wants a small, delicate piece or a full-scale custom sleeve, the studio's artists combine technical precision with a collaborative design process to ensure every tattoo is a genuinely one-of-a-kind piece.
The Gallery Tattoo offers free consultations to discuss subject, style, size and placement before booking, and follows strict sterilisation standards modelled on U.K. and European guidelines, using medical-grade disinfectant, single-use sterilised needles, and mostly vegan-friendly, organic pigment inks. Beyond tattooing, the studio also runs a store selling art prints, aftercare products, stickers and gift vouchers, available for pickup or shipping within New Zealand.
The Gallery Tattoo describes itself simply: where skin becomes canvas and anything is possible. Located on Level 2 of 4 Bond Street in Te Aro, this custom tattoo studio and art gallery brings together a talented team of artists in a light-filled, inclusive and queer-friendly space, surrounded by original works from local artists.
The studio's resident artists — Juse, Jesse, Matt and Kenny — each bring their own specialisation to the table. Juse is an all-rounder known for fine line, illustration, lettering, tatau, tā moko and kirituhi work. Jesse focuses on realism, black and grey, and colour tattoos. Matt, another all-rounder, specialises in geometric patterns, realism, dot work and watercolour styles. Kenny brings traditional, blackwork and illustration expertise to the studio. The team also includes apprentices Grace and Olivia, continuing to develop their craft within the studio's collaborative environment.
Whether a client wants a small, delicate piece or a full custom sleeve, The Gallery Tattoo's artists combine technical precision with a collaborative design process. Every consultation is free and typically takes about 30 minutes, giving clients a chance to discuss the subject, style, size and placement of their tattoo. Clients with specific images or ideas are encouraged to bring them along, and remote consultations via phone or internet can be arranged for those not based in Wellington.
Once a client is ready to book, a deposit secures the appointment. This protects both the client's and the artist's time — Gallery artists are often booked out weeks to months in advance, and design work only begins once a booking is confirmed with a deposit, typically close to the appointment date itself. Designs aren't shared in advance; clients see their design for the first time at the appointment, where small on-the-spot adjustments can be made based on feedback. The studio does not replicate other artists' tattoo designs, instead working with clients to create something original inspired by what they like.
The Gallery Tattoo follows strict sterilisation standards modelled on U.K. and European guidelines rather than just New Zealand's baseline requirements. Stations are cleaned with medical-grade disinfectant before each tattoo, beds and equipment are covered to create a sterile workspace, and only single-use sterilised needles are used, disposed of in clinical sharps bins afterward. Most of the ink used is vegan-friendly, made from organic pigments, and complies with EU standards, poured into single-use ink caps for each session. Instruments are cleaned in a digital autoclave where appropriate, and the whole studio is cleaned fresh every morning.
Clients aged 16 or 17 must inform the studio in advance and attend with a parent or legal guardian to complete a signed consent form, along with photo ID for both parties. The studio accepts EFTPOS for debit and credit cards, contactless payments, and cash.
The Gallery Tattoo also runs a store offering art prints, aftercare products including manuka tattoo aftercare cream, stickers, and gift vouchers, available for pickup at the studio or shipping within New Zealand. Vouchers can be purchased in person, by email or phone, with payment by card, cash, bank transfer or payment link.
Located at Level 2, 4 Bond Street in Te Aro, Wellington, the studio is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 6pm. Clients can request a specific artist or let the studio match them with the best fit for their vision through the studio's contact form.