For more than 30 years, Skin Institute has been dedicated to one purpose: helping New Zealanders protect their skin through early detection, expert treatment and lifelong care.
From professional skin and mole checks to melanoma diagnosis and treatment, we provide a complete, end-to-end service under one roof.
Our team is diagnostically trained to identify all types of skin cancer every day, giving you the confidence that you’re in experienced hands with people who truly understand what you need.
New Zealand has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world.
The reassuring news is that when it’s found early, it is highly treatable.
Regular, professional skin checks play a vital role in catching changes sooner and supporting your long-term skin health.
At Skin Institute, we make accessing expert skin cancer care clear, simple and reassuring, so you always feel supported and confident in your next steps.
Our Skin Cancer Doctors are fully qualified medical professionals who have completed five years of medical school and earned their medical degree. They then undertake at least four additional years of specialist GP training, followed by several years of advanced training in their specialty.
They are diagnostically trained and highly skilled in diagnosing skin cancers and other skin conditions using a dermatoscope, and are qualified to perform procedures such as biopsies, excisions, and prescribe medications. Most importantly, they provide care with empathy, taking the time to guide and support you through every step of your skin health journey.
Our Nurse Dermoscopists are registered nurses who have completed advanced diagnostic training and certification in dermoscopy. Using a dermatoscope, they examine your skin at a magnified level and are skilled at recognising patterns that help distinguish harmless lesions from those that may require further attention.
While they do not perform surgical procedures or prescribe medications, they work closely with our Skin Cancer Doctors and can refer you for further assessment or treatment if needed. Their expertise ensures you receive thorough, careful evaluation and compassionate guidance every step of the way.
One out of two Kiwis will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.
Finding it early truly can save your life.
Our clinicians have advanced training in skin cancer detection and treatment, with many bringing specialist backgrounds in dermatology and plastic surgery.
They offer an end-to-end service from check to diagnosis and treatment, working closely together as a team, so your care benefits from shared expertise, without the need to move between care providers.
At Skin Institute, your medical care is delivered with genuine respect, compassion and a focus on your long-term wellbeing.
You’re never treated as just another appointment; you’re treated as a person who deserves thoughtful, attentive care.
Q: What happens if skin cancer is found during my check?
A: Because we offer comprehensive care under one roof, we can guide you through the next steps immediately. Depending on the diagnosis, this may involve a simple biopsy, cryotherapy, or a referral to our specialist surgeons for excision. We manage the entire process for you.
Q: Do I need a referral to book a skin cancer consultation?
A: No, you do not need a referral from a GP to visit Skin Institute. You can book directly with our skin cancer experts or Dermatologists for an assessment.
Q: What is the difference between a Skin Check and a Consultation?
A: A Skin Check (or SkinTracker™) is a comprehensive assessment of your skin to identify moles or lesions of concern that may need closer monitoring, further investigation or treatment. It focuses on early detection and recognising changes that could indicate skin cancer.
A Consultation is usually recommended if you have a specific lesion, spot or mole of concern, a history of skin cancer, new or changing lesions, or if you need confirmed diagnosis, treatment or ongoing management plan for a known skin condition.
Q: Is skin cancer treatment covered by insurance?
A: In most cases, yes. Skin cancer surgery and treatment are typically covered by comprehensive health insurance policies (like Southern Cross). We can often help process prior approval for you.
Q: What types of skin cancer do you treat?
A: We treat all forms of skin cancer, including Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), and Melanoma. Our team includes Mohs Surgeons who specialise in precise excision of cancers in delicate areas (like the face).
