In brief
The iconic Hobbit-themed eagle sculptures at Wellington Airport will be taken down, marking the end of an era for the famed adornments. While the airport prepares for a new mystery exhibit, the beloved giant eagles will temporarily leave their post, with plans for their future yet to be revealed.
Wellington Airport has decided to remove its beloved pair of Hobbit-inspired eagle sculptures from the ceiling, a move set for Friday. The decision comes as the airport plans to replace them with a new mystery exhibit that has piqued the curiosity of visitors and fans alike. For over ten years, these impressive figures have greeted travelers, representing the mystical elements found in J.R.R. Tolkien's works, which were famously brought to life by New Zealand director Peter Jackson. According to Wellington Airport CEO Matt Clarke, the removal is bittersweet, noting, "It's not unusual to see airborne departures from Wellington Airport, but in this case, it will be emotional for us." The two eagles, each weighing 1.2 tonnes and boasting a wingspan of 15 meters, have been a significant draw for tourists. One of the eagles even features a sculpture of Gandalf the wizard, meticulously crafted with polystyrene and an internal steel skeleton, adorned with hundreds of feathers. Originally installed in 2013, the sculptures have since become emblematic of the airport, coinciding with the release of The Hobbit trilogy. The production was a collaboration with Wētā Workshop, known for its intricate work on The Lord of the Rings franchise. Despite the eagles' departure, fans need not despair, as Smaug the Magnificent, the dragon from The Hobbit, will continue to be showcased near the check-in area.Wellington Airport is actively collaborating with Wētā Workshop to design a unique, locally themed replacement. Clarke promised that more exciting details about the new exhibit will be unveiled later this year, hinting that the skies will soon be graced with a fresh expression of New Zealand’s rich creative heritage.
