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

Looking for a tattoo artist in Auckland who creates custom tattoos with thoughtful design and care? At Starlight Tattoo, I create custom tattoos from a private studio nestled in the coastal hills of Muriwai, West Auckland, just a short drive from Kumeu. I'm Buzzy, a tattoo artist 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 - appointment-only
25+ years of tattooing experience in Germany and New Zealand
Custom tattooing across a wide range of styles, from traditional to realism and everything in between.
One-on-one collaboration - I work closely with every client
Clean, safe, and professional environment

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 also enjoy creating traditional, neo-traditional, Japanese-inspired, illustrative, ornamental, fine line and many other styles. 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 - vibrant colour, rich detail 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 - creative artwork blending bold linework, shading and artistic expression.
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 - if you have something different in mind, I'd love to hear your ideas.

Explore my tattoo portfolio

I bring passion and a personal touch to every piece I create. If you're searching for quality tattoos in Auckland, you're in the right place. Curious about my work? Visit the Colour Tattoo Gallery, Black and Grey Gallery, and Cover-Up Gallery to see examples of tattoos completed in my Auckland 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 located 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 searching for an experienced tattoo artist in Auckland who takes the time to listen, collaborate and create a custom tattoo that's right for you, you're in the right place.

Book Your Tattoo

If you're looking for a tattoo artist in Auckland who takes the time to understand your ideas and create something that's right for you, 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 matters as much as the art. All supplies are single use and opened at your station. I use hospital grade surface protocols, barrier protection, and covers for equipment. The studio is quiet and clean so you can relax. You will leave with clear aftercare instructions.

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 concept or just the spark of an idea, I'll take the time to listen, understand what you're looking for and work with you to create a custom design that feels 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 need more information or have 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.