Queer safe tattoo studios: so you’ll only cry because of the blood and hours of pain

By Maia Berryman-Kamp (They/she/ia), Te Arawa me Mataatua

Wellington - gay, artistic, expensive. Nothing sums up the city like a series of tattoos in places you’ll hide from your mother. In a city of tattooed people and tattoo people, how do you know where you can request the permanent inking of the ‘straight is great’ shirt from But I’m a Cheerleader onto your forearm, in an ironic way? How do you get a ‘gay ass’ shoulder piece without falling into the trap of 2013 rainbow feathers that will fade unevenly, equals signs (Ed Sheeran stan over here), or an italic quote from Heartstopper that’ll blow out, leaving you with a blob that was once the vaguely cringey but sweet affirmations of Nick Nelson?

You could rely on the good old house party stick and poke, but if you don’t want tetanus, there are other choices. Pretty much every studio in the city will be a solid bet, but with over 40 tattoos from most studios (as well as some random artist working out of a horse cart), I’ve compiled a list of studios and Instagram handles that’ll keep you safe physically and emotionally.

Buttercat

Gayest of the gay with an iconic showing at Cubadupa each year. I’ve been tattooed by every (maybe not, my memory is failing me as I approach mid-20s) apprentice, and their work hasn’t failed me yet. They are shifting sites, so watch out for that before stumbling down Left Bank.

Styles: illustrative, graphic, ornamental, cartoony

Artists to watch: @junbugtattoos, @smushedavocado, @gabby.tattooer, @mr.tauntaun

Dr Morse

You walk in, on one wall there’s an American pin up Dolly Parton style pink-tassel fringed wall tapestry of one of the artists. On the other, a collectors display case of old transformers and comics, a lounging sofa, and a wall of cat flash. Also, the sweetest studio manager in the city. Shout out Lou.

Styles: versatile, large scale, american/neo-trad, colourful

Artists to watch: @raukikini, @jamiereneetattoo, @koryn_leigh

Studio Seaweed

Heads up, the studio’s closing Jan 2026, so get in, or see them around the arts scene. Home of niche jewelry and sick prints, they love a flash day and a collab with arts collectives.

Styles: Ignorant, sketchy (in the good way), cryptic

Artists to watch: @r.atbag, @patupaiarehe.tatz

Union Tattoo

Classic first tattoo, and 10 year anniversary this year! Cute! The artists are fast, clean, and know what they’re doing - they also play classic black and white horror films from the 1920s(?) on repeat and have fun coffee mugs. Don’t drink caffeine before a tattoo though.

Styles: pretty much anything you could need, but best with black and grey work

Artists to watch: @taurieslove, @wholesomeharold

Saturnia Tattoos

Hutt based studio, I haven’t been to this exact place BUT I’ve got a few pieces from one of their resident artists, and they’ve very much avengers assembled the best of the best. Also, they’re inside a tattoo museum which is just baller.

Styles: large scale, detailed, black and grey, traditional

Artists to watch: @sage.tattoo, @jo.lawless.tattoos

But most importantly, for all my little takatāpussies - safe and tika local tā moko practitioners, ringtā, and kiritoi. They’re hard to find, but they exist and are becoming more common - and with king of the game Mark Kopua telling transphobes to shut up (I heard it myself), we’re so awnz. 

@ngaarahuink - focuses on moko kanohi and moko kauae

@toi_tenei - large scale tā moko and kirituhi

@taurieslove - hybrid pieces, kiritoi

@raukikini - branching out into tā moko, kiritoi

Happy stabbing!