Tattoos Auckland | Custom & Cover-Ups

Q: What should I do before my appointment?

Be well-rested and hydrated, and avoid alcohol for a couple of days before your booking. If you have any concerns about medication, check with your doctor. Wear comfortable black clothing that gives easy access to the area being tattooed.

Custom tattooing in Auckland thoughtful design by Buzzy

At Starlight Tattoo, I create custom tattoos from my private studio nestled in the coastal hills of Muriwai, West Auckland, just a short drive from Kumeu. Every tattoo begins with a conversation where I take the time to understand your ideas and work with you to create something that's uniquely yours. I'm Buzzy, a tattoo artist in Auckland with over 25 years of experience. I began tattooing in Germany at my mother Monique's tattoo studio before our family moved to Auckland. From 1998 until 2014, I continued tattooing at her Auckland tattoo studio before opening Starlight Tattoo. Today, clients visit me for a wide variety of tattoo styles, along with a collaborative and personalised approach to creating custom tattoos.

Why Choose Starlight Tattoo in Auckland

Private, peaceful studio near Muriwai Beach - by appointment-only.
More than 25 years of professional tattooing experience in Germany and New Zealand.
Custom tattooing across a wide range of styles, from traditional and black and grey realism to colour, fine line and everything in between.
One-on-one collaboration from your first idea to your finished tattoo.
A clean, safe and professional tattoo studio where your safety, comfort and the quality of your tattoo come first.

Tattoo styles I offer

Every custom tattoo is different. While many clients come to me for cover-ups, black and grey realism, colour tattoos and symbolic work, I enjoy creating a wide variety of styles including traditional, neo-traditional, Japanese-inspired, illustrative, ornamental and fine line tattoos. If you have something different in mind, I'd love to hear your ideas.

Cover-Up Tattoos - giving unwanted tattoos a fresh new direction.
Black and Grey Realism Tattoos - high contrast, depth and smooth shading.
Colour Tattoos - from soft watercolour effects to vibrant, expressive colour work.
Portrait Tattoos - realistic black and grey or colour portraits of people, animals or favourite icons.
Traditional Tattoos - bold lines, classic designs and timeless tattoo artistry.
Neo-Traditional Tattoos - bold outlines, illustrative design and a modern evolution of traditional tattooing.
Surrealist Tattoos - dreamlike blends of realism, fantasy and symbolism.
Sigil Tattoos - personal symbolic designs inspired by magical traditions.
Fine Line Tattoos - delicate, precise and minimalist designs.
Ornamental Tattoos - elegant decorative patterns, mandalas, lace and intricate detail.
Botanical Tattoos - floral, natural and plant-inspired designs.
Japanese Tattoos - artwork inspired by Japanese tattooing and traditional Japanese art.
Illustrative Tattoos - artwork inspired by drawing, illustration and creative design.
Abstract Tattoos - artistic designs inspired by movement, texture and creative expression.
Geometric Tattoos - sacred geometry, mandalas and symmetry-based work.
Spiritual and Symbolic Tattoos - alchemical, mythic and esoteric artwork inspired by symbolism and mythology.
Custom Tattoo Designs - original artwork designed specifically for you.

Explore my tattoo portfolio

The best way to get a feel for my work is to explore the galleries below. Browse the Colour Tattoo Gallery, Black and Grey Gallery and Cover-Up Gallery to see a wide variety of tattoos from my Auckland tattoo studio.

Snake wrapping around the arm and onto the chest

Serving wider Auckland, West Auckland & Rodney District

Starlight Tattoo is a private, appointment-only tattoo studio in Muriwai, West Auckland. I welcome clients from across the region, including Helensville, Henderson, Massey, Te Atatu, West Harbour, Kumeu, Huapai and Riverhead. Many of my clients also travel from central and the wider Auckland region, throughout New Zealand and occasionally from overseas. If you're looking for an experienced Auckland tattoo artist who takes the time to listen, collaborate and create a tattoo that's right for you, I'd love to hear your ideas.

Book Your Tattoo

Whether you already have a design in mind or you're just getting started, get in touch to book a free consultation or your tattoo session.

Tulips and forget-me-nots on the forearm

Hygiene and safety

Your safety is just as important as your tattoo. All supplies are single use and opened at your station. I use hospital-grade surface disinfection, barrier protection and disposable equipment covers throughout the studio. The studio is clean, private and designed to help you feel comfortable throughout your appointment. You'll leave with clear aftercare instructions to help your tattoo heal well.

Is my work the right fit for you

I work across a wide range of tattoo styles and enjoy collaborating with each client to create something personal. Whether you arrive with a finished design or just the spark of an idea, I'll take the time to understand what you're looking for and work with you to create a tattoo that's right for you.

Explore some recent pieces in the Black and Grey Gallery, Colour Gallery and Cover-Up Gallery. When you're ready, get in touch to book. I look forward to hearing your ideas and creating something you'll be proud to wear.

Frequently asked questions

You might have questions about getting your next tattoo, or perhaps it’s your first. Whether you're curious about preparation, numbing, or healing, I’ve summed up the key details below to help you feel confident and informed. If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

How do I book a tattoo at Starlight Tattoo?

You can book through my contact page. Share your idea along with the size and placement you have in mind, plus a couple of reference images. In some cases a free consultation is needed to finalise the design. I'll let you know if that applies.

Can you cover up an old tattoo?

Yes, I do cover-ups, though what’s possible depends on the complexity, darkness, and shape of the existing tattoo, as well as what you want to cover it with. You can see examples in the Cover-Up Gallery.

What should I do before my appointment?

Make sure you are well-rested and hydrated, and avoid alcohol for a couple of days before your booking. If you have any concerns about medication, check with your doctor. Wear comfortable black clothing that gives easy access to the area being tattooed, as there is a small chance some ink may mark clothing.

Do you have numbing cream?

I don’t supply numbing cream, but you are welcome to apply your own before the booking according to the instructions. It is available at most pharmacies or online. Please note it usually takes around 30 minutes to an hour to prepare stencils and freehand drawings before tattooing begins, so factor that in when applying the cream at the right time before your session.

How do I look after my new tattoo?

Use a proper tattoo aftercare cream, keep the area clean, avoid soaking or swimming, and protect it from direct sunlight while healing. Full aftercare instructions are always given at the end of your session.

Where is your tattoo studio located?

Starlight Tattoo is a private, appointment-only studio in Muriwai, West Auckland. Clients often travel from central Auckland, Rodney, and beyond for custom work.