Marlin's Dreaming

A year and some change since touring HIRL, Marlin’s Dreaming will again bless Aotearoa’s main city centres for a short summer stint this January 2026.

Marlin’s Dreaming has long been associated with New Zealand’s balmier months, but this marks the band’s first summer tour since 2020, and a chance to play through the back catalogue of hits. 

Drawing songs from 2024’s sweet, nostalgia inflected album HIRL, the starry debut Lizard Tears, and the scores of sublime tracks between, it’s a chance for fans to get the complete Marlin’s Dreaming summer experience.

Headline shows

• January 15, Lyttelton, The Loons

• January 16, Auckland, Double Whammy

• January 17, Wellington, San Fran

Renowned for their tightly choreographed live shows, the summer tour will add the talents of Tiare Kelly (Benee) on the keys & vocals.  

“We’re joining to play a couple of great festivals in Slackbarn and Festival of Lights so wanted to take a moment to get out to Christchurch, Auckland, and Wellington. As well as playing through our back catalogue, we also have new music to tease, that I’m really excited to try out live,” said Semisi Ma’ia’i frontman of Marlin’s Dreaming.

“It wasn’t until after booking these shows that I realised we hadn’t played a summer tour since 2020, which history has shown was one of the most significant things to happen that year.”

As well as its headline shows, Marlin’s Dreaming performs in the Hawke’s Bay at Slackbarn on January 10, and Festival of Lights in New Plymouth on January 11. 

PRE-SALES Thursday 16 October
General ON-SALE Friday 17 October

- +64 9-XXX-XXXX
- Local venue contact number

- Located at main entrance
- ID required for ticket pickup
- Arrive 30 minutes before event start time
- Electronic ticket verification available

- Limited street parking on Karangahape Road
- Nearby public parking garages
- Paid parking zones within walking distance
- Recommended to use public transit or rideshare

- Ground floor venue with wheelchair access
- Designated accessible areas near entrance
- Staff can assist with special seating requirements
- Advanced notice recommended for accommodation

- No outside food or beverages
- Must be 18+ for entry
- Photo ID required
- No smoking inside venue
- Respect other patrons

- 18+ venue only
- No minors permitted
- No exceptions for accompanied children