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

- Not publicly listed
- Contact via venue website or social media recommended

- Located at main venue entrance
- Photo ID required for ticket pickup
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before event start time

- Street parking available on Canterbury Street
- Limited off-street parking behind venue
- Nearby public parking lots within walking distance
- Recommended to arrive early

- Ground floor accessible
- Wheelchair entry at main entrance
- Limited designated wheelchair spaces
- Contact venue in advance for specific accommodations

- No outside food or drinks
- Valid ID required for alcohol service
- No smoking inside venue
- Respect other patrons
- Photography may be restricted during performances

- Age restrictions depend on event type
- Most evening events 18+
- Some afternoon/early events may be family-friendly
- Children under 12 typically require adult supervision