Union Tattoo

Fantastic experience: I've been tattooed by Craig twice now and it's been great. Smooth consultation, openness to feedback, nice, relaxed environment to actually come in and get tattooed in and good chat. I wouldn't really consider going anywhere else in Wellington now.

Fantastic experience: Got my 4th tattoo from here, absolutely friendly and did a amazing job

Negative experience: Came in for a walk in a few years ago, wanting a fine line tattoo on my arm. The owner of the shop took this on and barely spoke to me. He seemed grumpy and not interested at all. Getting a tattoo is an experience for me and this was the worst. Not only was the experience bad but it was not a fine line tattoo at all. The needle used was very thick and the tattoo has now blurred and you can’t read the word! I am now going to be getting laser tattoo removal to get this removed. Will not be going back and have not been back since. -in response to you saying it’s odd to leave a review a couple years later, I find it odd for YOU to say that considering that’s plenty of time to see the tattoo fully healed…

Fantastic experience: Had a piercing done here a few years ago, and now a large thigh tattoo. Both people I dealt with were super lovely, as well as very informative and approachable throughout the entire process. I was there for around 5 hours being tattooed, I had a great day with Scott and will definitely be back!

Fantastic experience: friendly and experienced artists, it's great you can walk in and talk to an actual artist straight away and not an apprentice or receptionist. I went to another studio further down willis street and they seemed to only have apprentices working there. If i'm paying hundreds of dollars for a tattoo i want an experienced artist.

Fantastic experience: Got a really simple Tatt from Harriet that was sentimental more then artistic. That didn't matter to Harriet, it was approached with the same passion as if it was a huge piece. Loved the vibe of the shop too, Lily was so welcoming and loved their banter, such a happy sounding shop.

Fantastic experience: Really nice stafe, Craigy was super nice and did my tattoo, would definitely go back if im ever in Wellington again

Fantastic experience: I have been to Union a few times now and it is always a smooth, professional experience. The artists consistently deliver more than I expect, and I am always very happy with the result. My tattoos have healed really well every time with no issues. I will definitely be back.

Fantastic experience: returned for another tattoo after about 5 years. Got tattooed by Craigy just as good as last time i came, he did a great job, the design looks exactly like what i brought in. Playlist in the parlour was also banging.

Negative experience: Unfortunately in my multiple visits, safe to say the “hype” that precedes this place is really misplaced. Look is my piercing fine? Sure. Are some of the people there nice? Sure, the receptionist in particular is great. Awkward on the first visit because no one would take on my enquiry so I just stood there till someone remembered they were at work and I’m just a customer. I was charged a price higher than what’s on the website and told to come back in a few weeks for a check up. Over a month goes by and they had ghosted me. No email reminder as promised, no follow up. I repeatedly called them to see what’s going on with my appointment follow up and kept getting BS promises about following up till one of their own staff seemed fed up (thankfully) and indicated her frustration on the phone but finally booked me in. I go in, no apology or explanation or mention as to why they didn’t stick to their appointment that THEY locked in. The follow up was underwhelming to put it plainly. After all this, I’m asked to pay a random fee for this late check up that’s supposed to be free according to the paperwork they gave and their website but I was so over it I just paid it and left. Needless to say this place is a darling to its other guests. I won’t be back, but I’m sure my 'tiny' contribution won't be missed since everyone else seems to think this place is revolutionary

Fantastic experience: I had x2 helix piercings done today by Will. It was an absolutely fantastic experience. He made me feel so comfortable and at ease, gave me plenty of time to talk through different options/placements, and had excellent sterility of the process+space. Definitely recommend!

Fantastic experience: Will (the piercer) saved my daughter’s ear after her earring got imbedded. He was so nice to her and fitted us in on a busy day. 10/10 We highly recommend him!

Fantastic experience: I got this done by Craigy this morning and another small quote peice and I'm absolutely stoked with how hes done this, and the end result. Very professional and friendly vibe, this is now my 3rd visit in 13 months. I will def be coming back. Thanks again Craigy and the team at Union.

Fantastic experience: Such a delightful place! Great vibes to get a tattoo or piercing and all the people that work there are so lovely! Would 10/10 recommend Jade!

Fantastic experience: Me and my husband got his and her tattoos today being my husbands 1st tattoo clean job done by Joesph mean work bratha

Fantastic experience: I went to Union for my first tattoo last week and the experience was great. I booked via email and the communication was spot on, and they were very helpful when I thought I'd have to reschedule. Craigy was great, the design was exactly as asked for and I am very happy with the result. The place itself was welcoming and clean and tidy. Very happy and would highly recommend! Thank you Union Tattoo!

Fantastic experience: Great artists, amazing tattoos. Perfect temperature.

Fantastic experience: Fantastic service. Amazing tatoo. Craig did mine and few years later still holds up

Negative experience: Was clean and tidy but unwelcoming and unfriendly staff! Expensive and no vibe at all. Was about 30 degress! Too bloody hot to sit and get a tattoo! Staff were chatting and laughing amoungst themselves while we were waiting! Would not go back!

Fantastic experience: I went for a nose piercing consultation after having an emergency situation. Will was so kind to accomodate me in his schedule. I was panicking and sobbing about my piercing, but he handled the situation so much with calmness, empathy and conviction. I am extremely touched by his kindness and expertise. Thank you so much for helping me.

Fantastic experience: Highly recommend Will the piercer. He was kind, patient and very professional.

Fantastic experience: Jade did great work doing a handwriting script! Lots of care and we are really happy with them! Would recommend!

Fantastic experience: I’ve been to Union twice now for my first tattoo and second tattoo. Both Craigy and Peachy have been amazing - so welcoming, patient and professional. I really appreciated how they kind they were too. I recommend all my friends to Union!

Fantastic experience: Super lovely and clean. Really great service

Fantastic experience: Great tattoo studio.. very funky and clean and professional

Fantastic experience: This was such a welcoming space to walk into for a first tattoo, thank you so much to the lovely artist Joseph who did such an amazing job and brought my idea to life. The aftercare was explained very well, I appreciated that everyone answered any questions I had. I will definitely be recommending union tattoo to everyone in my life, and I certainly will be back for more!!

Fantastic experience: Perfect experience for my first tattoo. My artist Joseph did a fantastic job, explained everything perfectly and made my partner and I feel welcomed. All of the staff there were welcoming and so friendly, I would fly to Wellington from Christchurch just for a tattoo if it was from here. I’m coming back!

Fantastic experience: Had my septum pierced with Abby yesterday. Great friendly service, really knowledgable and put me at ease as it had been a while since my last piercing. Definitely recommend!

Fantastic experience: My daughter Grace has just had a wonderful experience getting her rook, conch and lobe pierced with Abby. The care and service was exceptional. Abby is delightful and I would highly recommend.

Fantastic experience: Highly Recommend & Best experience ever!. Joseph did a very good job taking time to explain before and after the tattoo.

Fantastic experience: Will is an amazing piercer, professional and talented

Fantastic experience: Amazing experience! My family took our dream trip to NZ to visit all the LOTR locations for mine and my wife’s 10yr anniversary. 4 of us wanted to commemorate the trip with tattoos and reached out to Craig and his staff a month before and they were able to book us in. Cannot recommend Craig and Union tattoos more. We had a great time, great conversations with Craig and he did an amazing job on the tattoos. Thanks Union Tattoo for making our trip even more memorable!

Fantastic experience: I had my labret ( lip ) piercing done about 2 weeks ago from Will. I had such a positive experience. He talked me through every step knowing I was anxious, and was incredibly knowledgeable and just generally very nice and friendly. I came back again for a resizing of the jewellery, which was super easy and not painful at all. Coming from someone with a very debilitating fear of needles with previous negative experiences ( not with piercings, but medical procedures in general ) this was a breath of fresh air. I would recommend Will at Union tattoo, for anyone. Whether it be your first piercing , or 10th. He made me feel incredibly safe and welcomed in the space. I will certainly be coming back for a future body piercing . 10/10 brilliant ⭐️

Fantastic experience: Great and friendly staff. They were helpful with the whole process. There is some parking on the next street over with easy access

Fantastic experience: Thank you for your kindness. Highly recommended.

Fantastic experience: had an excellent experience with craig, he was super kind and attentive and did an amazing job, thank you! :)

Fantastic experience: Very clean, staff are amazing and very helpful

Positive experience: Had a wonderful experience with Jade for my first tattoo- it was a tiny beach wave tattoo but she was so sweet and accommodating and sketched out different placements and thickness without any hesitation. However, my recent experience with Joe was very disappointing. He asked me to make up my mind quickly on where I want the tattoo placement and when I asked for it to be placed a bit to the right- he responded saying "he's a human, not a computer". It was a simple butterfly tattoo which only took 5-10 min and the only thing I wanted to be sure of was the placement. However, due to the rude and unwelcome demeanour , I was too intimidated to even ask again and went ahead with the first placement he made which has now left me with a tattoo which i'm not 100% satisfied with. Although it's a small simple tattoo and may not matter to the artist much, it matters to a person getting the tattoo and it is their job to be considerate about questions regarding placement and tattoo thickness.

Fantastic experience: Jade is a vibe love new tat

Fantastic experience: Sherlaine has done an excellent job of making a permanent reminder of our African holiday

Fantastic experience: Excellent tattoo by Craigy. Laura's customer service was exceptional. I'll be back

Fantastic experience: Had the privilege of getting my first cartilage piercing done by Will. A lovely person and someone who knows their stuff. I'll definitely be back for my next piercing.

Positive experience: really rude vibes from the staff when you walk in. your met with a “hello” with a question mark at the end. not a nice vibe in there

Fantastic experience: Came and saw Will. Great service and friendly people. Highly recommend.

Fantastic experience: After 33 emails back and forth looking for a tattoo artist who could complete a semi-fine line design for a friend and I, we enquired here and were able to get amazing Tattoos done by Kylie. We recognise that sometimes the most simple designs are the hardest and we were grateful that Kylie and the team were able to support our vision. We love the eccentric decor, ran very much in theme with the artistic culture of Wellington. I'd like to do a shout out to the receptionist, for making our time here comfortable. To Kylie our Tattoo artist whose moved to Dr Morse, thank you. Thank you team. #Clean #Hygienic #Efficient #Professional #Queer-friendly #safespace

Fantastic experience: Friendly staff. Professional

Negative experience: Got a tattoo here and the lettering is smudged and unreadable - kept telling them and they said once healed it will be fine. Didn't listen to me at all, overpriced and unprofessional, I literally got 3 words tattooed and it took a half a day LOL

Fantastic experience: I got my dream tattoo by the lovely artist Jade. She is so talented and professional, was a great experience and she gave me exactly what I was wanting. I needed some advice on a piercing that wouldn’t heal of mine, I came in and saw Will. He was so thorough and professional. He told me what was what and really made me feel reassured. Would rate Union a 6/5 if I could- thanks to the team

Negative experience: Been tattoo twice here by different visiting artists (one, a heavily tattooed women with a split tongue, black hair and the other a bald man a few years ago now) I remembered what a disappointing experience it was after receiving a promotional email from union tattoo recently. Both tattooists were equally poor in service, communication and creating a calm and comfortable environment. Quality wise, also extremely poor and both tattoos have not aged well. I would not consider these individuals as artists, hands far too heavy (causing tattoo bleeding and heavy, ugly lines) and lack passion for their craft. They were not flexible or able to materialise the tattoo I had envisioned regarding wanting a fine line tattoo and when I asked why, the woman was dismissive and had more of an excuse than a rational as to why they could not use a finer tattoo needle. I will now begin the process of tattoo removal of these tattoos from this shop. Overall, major improvement with service and communication skills to thier paying clients is desperately in need. Looking less grumpy and a welcoming first impression is a good start.

Fantastic experience: Had the most excellent experience getting tattooed by Jim Burton on Sunday. 4-5 hours flew by, I felt well informed and looked after the whole time. Jim was super accommodating and made several changes to the design at my request before we got started. I had heaps of fun and love my new tattoo, can’t wait to come back to this talented artist again

Fantastic experience: Got my first tattoo here with Jim. Such a legendary artist, quick, easy, awesome to talk to. Will definitely go again

Fantastic experience: Got a sickkk tattoo from etched in ink today was a really nice dude and I'm Soo happy with the tat %100000 would recommend him The studio is really pro too!!!

Fantastic experience: Great tattoo parlor, friendly staff

Fantastic experience: Amazing, as a first timer they were so kind and welcoming. Kylie is a gem!! I’ll be back

Fantastic experience: Will did an amazing job with my and my friend's septum piercing! After we both had bad experiences with 2 other piercers, it was such a relief and privilege to have been looked after by him. He was professional, knowledgeable, and ensured we were comfortable throughout the process. Minimal pain and they turned out flawless. 10 out 10, would recommend

Fantastic experience: Got my first tattoo today from Kylie. Looks beautiful and despite being very nervous I felt very comfortable. It’s a very nice friendly place with staff who put me at ease and explained the process clearly. Thanks. Will be back for a second tattoo in the future!

Fantastic experience: I got a walk in tattoo today with Craigy and it came out exactly how I wanted awesome atmosphere in the place and very professional staff. Thank you so much and I hope to be back in near future

Fantastic experience: This company has exceptional reputation anyway, but I was super impressed. Not only was Joe great. He took onboard my idea, and made it even better. Great team. Balance of humans there (male/female/plus) aftercare instructions were talked through with me twice, and the place obviously has very talented artists, and great vibe. Immaculate. Clean. I’ll be back for sure. Thanks Joseph and Union!! Polly Gillespie

Negative experience: Union is way over hyped. It is meh. The staff are nice enough but not really communicative (edited to add clarity due to owners response: they were not communicative in terms of tattoo placement/discussing design thoughts, this was a matching tattoo for me and my new husband and yet there was zero consultation regarding having the design styles/placement/sizing to match between us. My husband has many tattoos, and he was very disappointed with the lack of creative consultation). For the prices they charge, I'd suggest going to Cuba Tattoo instead, which we went to later the same day. The staff at Cuba tattoo had a much better conversation with me during the consultation process despite that just being a walk-in flash tattoo, unlike Union. I'm even more disappointed with Union considering their response to criticism was to become immediately defensive rather than taking a moment to communicate and figure out where they went wrong and how to improve. Truly disappointing.

Fantastic experience: Awesome atmosphere, great staff. My tattoo was done by Jim Burton. He's a talented artist, and I can't wait to go back for more work

Fantastic experience: Got my first tattoo here. Relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff patiently walked me through the process. Craig, in particular, made sure I was at ease and happy with the design. He did an amazing job! Highly recommend going here.

Fantastic experience: Epic place. Joe is one skilled dude

Fantastic experience: Great place, great people

Fantastic experience: First timer - was made to feel completely at ease by Craig and the team. Super quick and easy process. Absolutely in love with my new tattoos - highly recommend!

Negative experience: Worst owners wife bloody canceled my consultation because I changed just 5 days prior which suggested to me by reception girl you guys have to talk to your own staff before pushing customers away never go to union tattoo so rude experience Now I will complete the story I just saw the comment by your studio which is completely false I have never been banned by any of the studio in wellington i have done all of my tattoos in wellington itself so watch out your false comments plus I have paid to your piercing guy all his money and I didn't wanted to get tattoo from your studio ever, when I came to inform you guys about online fraud people doing on your name of studio so I did favour for you guys that's where your receptionist offer me to get tattoo from your studio so I thought of to give a try I never wanted to get tattoo from you guys because the style is pretty low up to my standards thank you

Fantastic experience: i have been pierced here by will. the proccess was very easy and explained to me in a way that is really good. i have gone here for multiple piercings and have never had any issue with the piercings. i did swallow my piercing once but that was my fault

Fantastic experience: Walked in and got a tattoo on Saturday. Fantastic people, fantastic artists.

Fantastic experience: Harrie did a lovely job with my tattoo! She was fast, friendly, and it was a lot less painful than my other color tat. I’m so happy with the outcome!

Negative experience: Had tattoo done bye jimmy ripped me off he is a manipulator liar kept changing my work saying it would look better we had a agreement I have two witnesses to it asked for him to finish it he then said it would cost me another $1200 after he packed up wouldn’t recommend at all do not trust.

Fantastic experience: Accommodated us both extremely well as walk ins. Friendly easy going and stoked with the end result. Thanks union

Fantastic experience: Will sorted me out with a change in jewelry for my conch piercing. He is super professional, I felt safe (in all aspects) and aware of his process during the sitting, jewelry type is discussed in depth and he offered solid advice. I am booked in for another piercing soon, I won't go anywhere else again now that I've been to Union.

Fantastic experience: Will made me feel very comfortable with getting a piercing! Very professional and knowledgeable, highly recommend! :)

Fantastic experience: Amazing customer service, from both the front desk and my piercer, super friendly. Will was great during the consultation, went over all my options with me and made sure we were both on the same page throughout the whole process. He let me know what was happening every step of the way and made sure I was comfortable, top notch communication. He did a fabulous job and I'm so pleased with the outcome. Thanks team!

Fantastic experience: My wife and I saw Jade who was incredible. The tattoos are exactly how we wanted them and the process was so smooth. The parlor was very clean with a cozy and welcoming vibe. I will be making sure to come back the next time I'm in the country. Lots of walk ins too so be sure to check out their Instagram for those details!

Fantastic experience: Great place. Had my nose pierced by Will and he was wonderful and vigilant. Made sure I was comfortable all the way through which I really appreciated.

Negative experience: Disrespectful owners, disrespectful workers. Rude to others living in the building.

Fantastic experience: Clean place, friendly staff, was a walk in for a small kiwi bird for me and my partner and it was super quick and we love it!

Fantastic experience: If you are thinking about get a piercing here, it’s the right place. Will it’s very professional and he will take all the time to explain about the whole procedure (and he will not mind to repeat again and again, that was very helpful for me that i’m from a not english-speaking country). The result of the septum was even better that what expected! Thank you very much Will!

Positive experience: My tattoo from here was lovely, however my tattoo artist made me feel a little uneasy. When I corrected her (once) on the sizing I wanted for my tattoo, she got visibly annoyed and asked the receptionist when her next appointment was (in an irritated tone), making me feel like a liability. I understand having appointments but they should prioritise the customer they are currently occupied with rather than the next customer (who wasn’t due until another hour or two). I had also stated the size that I wanted over the phone and in my email (which was only about 5cm). The experience overall was fine, but it would be nice for the artists to make the clients feel comfortable while getting their tattoos done. On a side note the atmosphere here is lovely. Just some improvement in customer service skills would be beneficial here.

Fantastic experience: Got a tattoo from these guys yesterday. Cool atmosphere, amazing work and really happy with my new ink! Thank you

Fantastic experience: Second experience at Union. It feels friendly, inclusive, relaxed and I love my tattoo. Harriet is really brilliant, realized my botanical piece beautifully. Really recommend.

Fantastic experience: Got my first tattoo here with Craig. Just a little one and it was minimum charge but everyone was really nice and relaxed. Quite a bright and social environment so not stressful. I emailed through my design and the sizing and got a spot because someone else cancelled.

Negative experience: Got a very simple tattoo I’d drawn, was super excited about it and overall had a bad experience. Craig didn’t introduce himself, just told me to sit down, told me he couldn’t make the tattoo I want on my body any smaller (only to do that after I asked again), and then pressed too hard. The lines are shaky, in some places hardly there, and do not even line up on the corners. Even though i came for a simple tattoo, I would expect better and honestly would warn anyone ahead of time that it appeared he gave zero care towards a walk in. Sad that I will have to get my first tattoo touched up when he could have spent 10 more minutes on it and fixed everything.

Fantastic experience: I love love love the nose piercing I got today from Will! Will is super professional, knowledgeable, kind and patient. He listened and made great recommendations and suggestions. His expertise was spot on and I couldn't be happier with the result. I was in amazing hands and totally recommend his work. Thank you x

Fantastic experience: Sick spot. Jim is knowledgable, professional and communicates clearly. Probably the singular most positive experience I’ve had getting tattooed. Would recommend.

Fantastic experience: Will is such a friendly and professional piercer - they made me feel comfortable straight away, and took a lot of time marking out placement for my piercings. Everyone else was super friendly too!

Fantastic experience: Highly recommended Tash was amazing, definitely coming back

Fantastic experience: Amazing job by Will, incredibly careful and skilled piercer. 10/10.

Fantastic experience: Got a quick and simple flash tattoo done by Craigy Lee at a walk-in. He was very fast and it's turned out fantastic. The shop was also very clean and tidy with great hygiene practices. Highly recommend

Fantastic experience: Union Tattoo is easily my top recommendation for piercings in the city. Will the Piercer is especially excellent to work with - kind, patient, great communication. The best in town!

Fantastic experience: Got my septum pierced with Will as part of the fun halloween discount! It was so amazing, I've never felt so comfy and looked after while someone stabs my face :D

Fantastic experience: Hola at WILL for amazing piercings experience and his recommendations Got my nose piercing done about 2 weeks ago with the needle Quite simple and easy to book through Things to note: •Pre deposit is required through paypal once you book an appointment •They only accept cash no eftpos/cards •On street paid parking spots

Fantastic experience: Awesome service. Tattoo artists are excellent. Bring cash!

Negative experience: Didn't want to do my tattoo even though i had parental consent and paid the $50 deposit, didn't get my refund.

Fantastic experience: So happy with my Tattoos. Thanks ever so much.

Fantastic experience: Artists are awesome and listen to what you want. Have had various artists at Union do pieces for me and have always had a great experience.

Fantastic experience: Super friendly staff!

Fantastic experience: Joe is a legend! highly recommended supporting this place!

Fantastic experience: People there are very nice, I’ve got my tattoo done twice so definitely recommend going to there if you are planning to get tat or a piercing!

Fantastic experience: Harrie is a true star! She brought my vision to life with her magical talent. A positive experience & very happy with the result.