Amelia WilliamsYou know that moment when you catch yourself in the mirror and think, since when did I actually match the wall paint? Auckland’s weather isn’t exactly helping either – one minute it’s all sunshine, the next it’s raining cats and dogs.
And hey, we love our beaches here, but keeping the golden glow is not so easy. Plus, if we’re being honest, the fast results from dodgy DIY tan kits just end up making us look like a walking piece of Cheetos.
For that even tan finish, we looked for Auckland’s best tanning studios. We hit up locals who know the secrets in the streets and took a look at the places themselves.
Trust these options for that natural, bronze glow.
How much do tanning services cost in Auckland?
The cost of tanning services in Auckland ranges from $30 to $50 for a full-body tan. There are rapid and partial options, which usually cost at least $15 per session.
1. Tan in the City
Location: 551 Remuera Road, Remuera, Auckland
Contact: +64 9 600 1769
Opening Hours: Monday – Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM, Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM, Thursday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tan in the City wins in terms of results. Looking at photos, we can say that finishes look natural and are streak-free. Everything matched the clients’ skin tones as well.
Service range is strong. They offer full-body spray tans, express wash-and-wear, and even competition tan treatments.
What really sets them apart, though, is the prices. Full body options cost $49, and there are even student specials available for $39.
We can say the value for money is really there. Interacting with their customer service staff alone was a delight.
They help select the perfect shade based on skin tones and explain aftercare instructions clearly.
The entire salon was stylish and very clean, so the overall experience was highly positive.
What’s not too positive is the booking process. Walk-ins and last-minute appointments are pretty hard to secure. There are even limited weekend hours in other locations.
With the level of personalisation they offer, though, we think the wait is worth it.
Natural and even skin tones
“Great tans very natural and evens skin tone gives awesome glow . Staff are incredibly good and owner Jess is legendary best tanning business. Recommend tans so even last well and people always comment . Go get the glow you will feel amazing 🙌 …”
Emma Glynn | Google Review
Friendly and professional
“They were fantastic! I hadn’t booked but was in and out in 30 mins with a gorgeous tan for my holiday! Service was friendly and professional. Thank you! X”
Kirsty Vegas | Google Review
2. The Studio
Location: 2/143 Queen Street, Northcote Point, Auckland
Contact: +64 210 252 5044
Opening Hours: Monday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Tuesday and Friday: 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM, Wednesday – Thursday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM,
The best thing about The Studio is that every session is personalised. They carefully match tones to each skin type, often recommending shades based on the occasion too.
The attention to detail is truly meticulous. Clients who spoke to us said that tan applications are always even.
We had to see for ourselves, and we do agree that the finishes look natural. There were no streaks, nor orange tones.
The personalised follow-ups were also a cut above the rest. It’s rare for us to see salons actually reaching out to clients just to check in on how the tan develops.
Aftercare guidance and product recommendations were also pretty solid and easy to follow.
As for the studio, we like how modern and relaxing it was. Plus, it’s located next to a cafe and bar, making it easy to take that post-tan feast.
Pricing is just a bit higher when compared to other salons in the location. Booking can also be difficult, as demand is high during weekends.
Everything else is up to standard.
Great attention to detail
“Famous for spray tanning (she’s the best), she’s awesome at brow grooming too. Aimee does a brilliant brow lamination. Her attention to detail creates a look that suits your face and style—perfection. Love, love, love the result. A very happy customer. Thank you x”
Trudi Brewer | Google Review
Amazing and nice studio
“My tanning experience at The Studio was absolutely amazing! I also got a lash lift and brow lamination and shape and it was perfection. I booked with Aimee but everyone seems to do a great job! Such a lovely studio and Aimee is sooo nice! The studio is next to a lovely cafe and bar so if you feel like coffee or wine after it’s very convenient!”
Ana Boyce | Google Review
3. MegaSun
Location: 54 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
Contact: +64 9 361 3361
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM, Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM, Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
MegaSun drew us in with their safe and secure tanning treatments. For starters, their sunbeds feature German technology that ensures optimal UV exposure.
Every client also undergoes skin-typing assessments and written consultations. This enables them to tailor tanning times and light intensity to avoid damaging the skin.
Among the many studios we’ve visited, our team agrees that MegaSun is one of the best-kept ones. Rooms, tanning beds, and bathrooms are meticulously sanitized after every use.
We absolutely love the features of their sunbeds too. They bring exceptional comfort thanks to the adjustable controls, fast warm-up, and integrated music.
Though the options feel luxurious, their rates are pretty affordable. Short sessions start at only $9, scaling up based on duration.
Concession packages are also available for regular tanners who want to save in the long run.
The only thing missing for us is the range – the place only has sunbeds; there are no spray tanning options. It’s also limited to this one location in Ponsoby, which can make it hard for new clients to book.
Simply the best tanning place
“Have been going here for year, it is simply the best suntanning place, great people, knowledgable and friendly, highest quality beds and health standards top notch – always come out with a great tan – love this place – highly recommend”
Kim | Google Review
Warm and helpful
“First time here and was welcomed so warmly by the lovely family who manage MegaSun, especially to Justin who was so helpful explaining the lotions and tanning guidelines. Lovely and clean rooms. Thank you and see you again! Highly recommend to all 10/10!”
Beth Quinn | Google Review
4. Status Glow Limited
Location: 28A Lambie Drive, Papatoetoe, Auckland
Contact: +64 9 263 6628
Opening Hours: Monday – Tuesday, and Friday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM, Wednesday – Thursday: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM, Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
We liked how experienced Status Glow is in various skin tones, including Polynesian and fair complexions. This allows them to customise each tan to match the client’s undertone easily.
Every session begins with a one-on-one consultation. They go through your skin type and desired look. If applicable, the occasion you’re attending.
Results are great, with that bronzed glow without any orange tint. This is because they use high-quality products from the Black Magic Tan line, an alcohol-free range of solutions.
These are quick-drying formulas too, helping save time.
The variety of tanning options was pretty solid. Here, clients can do full or half-body tans, competition tans, and sunbed tanning.
A full-body tan costs $50, which is relatively higher than a few options in this list. However, it’s important to note that this is still within the city’s average.
Availability for walk-ins is limited, as the appointments here are highly personalised. The high demand also means slots book out early. Calling at least a week in advance is advised.
Great work that’s totally worth it
“As a very fair skinner girly I’ve been coming here for years. They take the time to check your complexion and undertones and give the perfect tan every time! As I’ve moved around I’ve tried different tanning salons closer to home but never have gotten a tan anywhere near as good so now I’ll just happily travel to come to Status Glow, totally worth it!”
Ellen Smith | Google Review
So happy with the results
“First time getting a spray tan and soooooo happy I came to status glow! I felt very comfortable and was well informed about prep before tanning and after care. Love my results xxxx”
M R | Google Review
5. Epsom Spray Tan
Location: 93a Great South Road, Epsom, Auckland
Contact: +64 800 009 776
Opening Hours: Monday: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM, Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Wednesday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Epsom Spray Tan is best known in the area for their natural-looking tans. They’re usually booked for events like weddings, bridal parties, and maternity shoots.
We love how they customise treatment. They listen carefully to client preferences to achieve the exact shade desired.
The level of guidance offered is also solid. Before and after treatments, clients receive easy-to-follow advice to keep their tans longer.
Though according to clients, maintaining the tan is relatively easy. This is thanks to the studio’s use of high-quality products, including Black Magic Tan, X-Tend, and instant tanning mousse.
Booking is flexible, and there are even extended hours mid-week for ease of booking. Walk-ins are still subject to how busy the place is.
On the positive side, tan options are competitively priced at $50 for a full-body tan. Plus, customer service is attentive, dealing with clients promptly to avoid wasting time.
We only wish that there were more options for tanning. They do have rapid tanning, but we wanted to see more variety in methods.
Friendly and warm
“Honestly such an awesome experience. Lea is so friendly and warm, making you feel comfortable. Got the perfect tan for my Hens party, and now for my wedding. Couldn’t recommend Lea and Epsom Spray Tan enough”
Rebecca Rose | Google Review
Impressive experience and lovely result
“A 1st time tanner and really impressed with the whole experience. Lea was really clear in her instructions, and the results are a lovely, medium, definitely not orange tan! Definitely recommend.”
Angela McKinley | Google Review
