Tauranga's Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre was jam packed with both ardent tattoo fanatics and the curious alike for the New Zealand International Tattoo and Art Expo.

Now into its seventh year, the two-day event which opened today is the only convention in the Bay of Plenty to showcase the works of renowned international, national and local tattoo artists.

The expo features a total of 140 of the top international, national and local artists who'll be working out of 74 booths during the expo which closes on Sunday evening.

Some of the international artists who've made their way to the festival include Jime Litwalk and Katherine ‘Tatu Baby' Flores from the hit US reality TV show Ink Masters, traditional irezumi tattoo artist Ryugen who specialises in tebori (Japanese hand poke tattooing), plus Dr Rev who creates incredibly detailed artworks – from his own blood.

'Most of the booths have been busy, which is the important thing, and the calibre of art being produced is extremely high, so yeah we're really stoked with how everything's running,” says expo organiser Chris Preece.

'There's a couple of headline artists that people are interest in getting work done from, or seeing work produced - Nick Morte from Norway, Jime Litwalk seems to be quite popular, Ryugen is booked out solidly over the weekend.”

Alongside those interbnational artists are some of the best Kiwi tattooist including Tuigamala ‘Andy' Tauafiafi of Wellington's Taupou Tatau, and Tauranga's own Benjamin Lloyd, who became a viral internet sensation for his airbrushed tattoos on children at Starship Children's Health hospital.

Chris says along with top tattooing action, the expos also got a ton of great attractions taking place like graffiti artists, music, stand-up comedy and the ever-popular Miss Tattoo competition.

'There's been a great vibe here today, we're really happy with how the expo's run so far and looking forward to seeing what tomorrow brings,' says Chris.

The New Zealand International Tattoo & Art Expo takes place at the Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre today until 10pm and on Sunday, February 19, from 11am-7pm.

Tickets cost $20 and are available online from Eventfinda or on the door. For more information visit www.tattooart.co.nz


A Samoan traditional tattoo.

Japanese tebori artist Ryugendo at the expo today.



Bosch Bradley from Doxology in Tauranga working on a tattoo today.


Ian Bell traveled from America to work at the expo today.