FAQ about tattoos and Sunset

How do I get myself an awesome tattoo from Sunset?

The best way is to email us on info@sunsettattoo.co.nz or call the shop (09)3763423. We are happy to help with any questions you might have. If you are after a custom tattoo, designed by one of our artists, you can send us a description of what you are looking to get done, and we can pair you with the right artist for the style you are looking for. From there usually you can come in for a free consultation. At the consultation we can help you with making your concept into a great tattoo. If you already have an existing image that you would like to get tattooed, just send an image of it to us and we should be able to quote it for you. 

What kind of styles do you specialise in?

Our artists specialise in most styles of tattooing including Western Traditional, Japanese, Black and grey, lettering, Maori Tamoko, and Pacifica tattooing. We most definitely welcome enquiries of all styles and all sizes. 

Where are you located?

We are located in the heart of the city at 4a Cross Street Auckland 1010, which runs parallel to Karangahape Road and sits between Mercury Lane and Upper Queen Street.

Do I need to make an appointment?

We strive to have a tattoo artist available for walk in's at all time. A lot of our artists have designs ready to go and we love walk in's. Some of our artists have longer waiting periods than others, and do custom tattoos that can take a bit longer to design. 

How old do you need to be to get tattooed?

You need to be 18 years of age with proof of Identification to get tattooed. Parental consent for under 18 year olds is  NOT acceptable. And don't even try to fake it- we're not a bar.

What is the minimum price for a tattoo?

Our minimum charge is $100.00. This cost covers our minimum sterile set up, supplies, as well as wages for the artist. We strive to always have the highest possible quality supplies, tools, and utmost cleanliness, hygiene, and professional skill, and this is what the minimum cost is covering.

How much does a tattoo cost?

Cost depends on the time it will take to do your tattoo. The best way to get a quote is to come in to the shop in person or email us and we can give you an idea of price. Tattoos that can be done in one session can be quoted by the piece, and ongoing larger tattoos are charged by our hourly rate.

What is your hourly rate?

Tattoos are generally priced at an hourly rate of $175 per hour. Larger works are best booked in for a half-day session (3 hours) at $500 or a full day session (6 hours) at $950

*We feel it is very important to note that we get this question a lot! Hourly rates are often irrelevant. If you are looking for a cheap hourly rate, you are most likely looking for a bad or inexperienced tattoo artist. And an inexperienced tattoo artist is often a SLOW one, and can end up costing you MORE. Or you might end up with one that might give you a tattoo you end up regretting. Generally, the best tattoo artists in New Zealand will have a fairly similar rate, and your best bet is to pick an artist whose work you love and whose skill you trust. A busy artist has no reason to overcharge, and prefers to have happy customers who are return customers. A great tattoo artist usually simply loves their job and wants the best for their clients. 

How much do consultations cost?

Consultations are free and take place at 10.30am or 6.15pm Tuesday-Saturday.

Do I need to pay a deposit for my tattoo appointment and how much?

Usually we take a deposit of $50-$150 depending on the time involved in the project. Deposits are always cashed out at the end of the project. Deposits are non- refundable. If you need to cancel or move your appointment and give us more than 48 hours notice we will keep the deposit as shop credit for you.

Why do I need to pay a deposit?

Deposits are there to protect the artists from no-shows and last minute cancellations. They are a way of ensuring that the job will happen and that the client is serious. If you don't show up to your appointment your artist does not get paid. Failure to notify us within 48 hours or more than 3 reschedules will result in the loss of your deposit and the need to pay a new one to secure a new time.

Shop hours:

We are open from Tuesday through to Saturday from 10am till 6pm. Often our artist work after hours by appointment.

Things to remember before your appointment: 

Be on time for your appointment. It's best if you've had a good nights sleep and eaten something substantial before getting tattooed. The healthier you feel the better the experience will be. 

Aftercare: 

Remove bandage after two hours, wash well with warm soapy water and pat dry with a clean towel.
Air dry and apply a small amount of our recommended Protat after care cream. Repeat twice a day for fourteen days.
Please do not soak in water, do not swim in the sea or swimming pool, do not expose your tattoo to the sun until completely healed.
Do not itch, scratch or pick your tattoo. Keep clean at all times.

Frequently Asked Questions here at Sunset Tattoo

How do I get myself a kick-ass tattoo?

The best way is to email us on info@sunsettattoo.co.nz, or call the shop (09)3763423. We are happy to help with any questions you might have. If you are after a custom tattoo, designed by one of our artists, you can send us a description of what you are looking to get done, and we can pair you with the right artist for the style you are looking for. From there usually you can come in for a free consultation. At the consultation we can help you with making your concept in to a great tattoo. If you already have an existing image that you would like to get tattooed, just send an image of it to us and we should be able to quote it for you. 

What kind of styles do you specialise in?

Our artists specialize in most styles of tattooing including Western Traditional, Japanese, Black and grey, lettering, Maori Tamoko, and Pacifica tattooing. We most definitely welcome enquiries of all styles and all sizes. 

Where are you located?

We are located in the heart of the city at 4a Cross Street Auckland 1010, which runs parallel to Karangahape Road and sits between Mercury Lane and Upper Queen Street.

Do I need to make an appointment?

We strive to have a tattoo artist available for walk in's at all time. A lot of our artists have designs ready to go and we love walk in's. Some of our artists have longer waiting periods than others, and do custom tattoos that can take a bit longer to design. 

How old do you need to be to get tattooed?

You need to be 18 years of age with proof of Identification to get tattooed. Parental consent for under 18 year olds is  NOT acceptable. And don't even try to fake it- we're not a bar.

What is the minimum price for a tattoo?

Our minimum charge is $100.00. This cost covers our minimum sterile set up, supplies, as well as wages for the artist. We strive to always have the highest possible quality supplies, tools, and utmost cleanliness, hygiene, and professional skill, and this is what the minimum cost is covering.

How much does a tattoo cost?

Cost depends on the time it will take to do your tattoo. The best way to get a quote is to come in to the shop in person or email us and we can give you an idea of price. Tattoos that can be done in one session can be quoted by the piece, and ongoing larger tattoos are charged by our hourly rate.

What is your hourly rate?

Tattoos are generally priced at an hourly rate of $175 per hour. Larger works are best booked in for a half day session (3 hours) at $500 or a full day session (6 hours) at $950

*We feel it is very important to note that we get this question a lot! Hourly rates are often irrelevant. If you are looking for a cheap hourly rate, you are most likely looking for a bad or inexperienced tattoo artist. And an inexperienced tattoo artist is often a SLOW one, and can end up costing you MORE. Or you might end up with one that might give you a tattoo you end up regretting. Generally the best tattoo artists in New Zealand will have a fairly similar rate, and your best bet is to pick an artist whose work you love and whose skill you trust. A busy artist has no reason to overcharge, and prefers to have happy customers who are return customers. A great tattoo artist usually simply loves their job and wants the best for their clients. 

How much do consultations cost?

Consultations are free and take place at 10.30am or 6.15pm Tuesday-Saturday.

Do I need to pay a deposit for my tattoo appointment and how much?

Usually we take a deposit of $50-$150 depending on the time involved in the project. Deposits are always cashed out at the end of the project. Deposits are non- refundable. If you need to cancel or move your appointment and give us more than 48 hours notice we will keep the deposit as shop credit for you.

Why do I need to pay a deposit?

Deposits are there to protect the artists from no-shows and last minute cancellations. They are a way of ensuring that the job will happen and that the client is serious. If you don't show up to your appointment your artist does not get paid. Failure to notify us within 48 hours or more than 3 reschedules will result in the loss of your deposit and the need to pay a new one to secure a new time.

Shop hours:

We are open from Tuesday through to Saturday from 10am till 6pm. Often our artist work after hours by appointment.

Things to remember before your appointment: 

Be on time for your appointment. It's best if you've had a good nights sleep and eaten something substantial before getting tattooed. The healthier you feel the better the experience will be. 

Aftercare: 

Remove bandage after two hours, wash well with warm soapy water and pat dry with a clean towel.
Air dry and apply a small amount of our recommended after care cream. Repeat twice a day for fourteen days.
Please do not soak in water, do not swim in the sea or swimming pool, do not expose your tattoo to the sun until completely healed.
Do not itch, scratch or pick your tattoo. Keep clean at all times.

FAQ’s about tattoos!

If you’ve never had a tattoo before and are considering getting one, then you’ll probably have some questions. It can be a daunting experience going to your first tattoo studio, and that’s why we’ve put together this short list of the most common questions asked when it comes to tattoos and tattoo designs.

Does it hurt?


The first thing that comes to people’s minds when thinking of getting a tattoo. The short answer is, yes, probably. Although a lot of that depends on you and your attitude. Pain is subjective, and some people have a higher threshold than others. If you’re ready for some serious ink, then the pain itself will be part of the experience, and how you feel about it will determine how painful it is. 

What design should I get?


Well that’s up to you! Many people get tattoos for many reasons, each one personal and meaningful to them. If you know you want a tattoo design, but are not sure what to get, pop into the studio and have a chat with us. We can help point you in the right direction and at least give you some ideas to think about.  

How long will it take?


Again, this is obviously dependent on individual tattoos. The size, detail and shading of the tattoo will all factor into how long the job will take. We can give you an estimate once you’ve picked a tattoo design. 

What if I don’t like it?


Well, it’s not the end of the world, so don’t panic. If you end up with a tattoo design you’re not happy with, then you have a few options. There’s always the possibility that you can cover it up with a design you do like, you can add to it, or as a last resort, you can have tattoo laser removal. The trick here is to make sure you’re happy with the design in the first place!

How much does it cost?


All tattoos are different, and much like the time it takes to complete, the price is largely determined on the design. The size, colour and detail of the design all play a factor in the final price of tattoos. 

How long does it take to heal?


Tattoos can take 1-2 weeks to heal. You will receive aftercare products and directions on how to best care for your tattoo from us. We also recommend you keep new tattoos out of direct sunlight for about six weeks.