Wellington Airport Bids Farewell to Iconic Hobbit Eagles

Wellington Airport is set to retire its beloved Hobbit-themed eagle sculptures after a decade, marking a bittersweet change as they pave the way for a new mystery installation.

For over ten years, the two magnificent Hobbit-themed eagle sculptures have perched above visitors at New Zealand's Wellington Airport, welcoming travelers with a nod to J.R.R. Tolkien's fantastical world. However, airport authorities have announced that these iconic monuments will be removed this Friday as part of preparations for a forthcoming, yet undisclosed, exhibition.

These enormous eagles, which serve as symbolic messengers within Tolkien's beloved narratives, have been intricately linked to the cinematic works of Sir Peter Jackson, which showcased New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes. Matt Clarke, Wellington Airport's chief executive, expressed a tinge of nostalgia, stating that while it is common to observe departures from the airport, the emotional farewell to the sculptures would be markedly different.

Each eagle, crafted from polystyrene with an internal steel framework, weighs an impressive 1.2 tonnes (1,200 kg) and exhibits a wingspan of 15 meters (49 feet). One eagle even features a sculpture of Gandalf, the wise wizard from the series, riding atop its back, which adds to the allure for Hobbits fans alike.

Installed in 2013 alongside the release of The Hobbit trilogy, the eagles were crafted by Wētā Workshop, renowned for creating props and costumes for both The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. Despite their departure, fans can take comfort in the continued presence of Smaug the Magnificent, the dragon from The Hobbit, who will remain on display at the check-in area.

Clarke assured fans that Wellington Airport is collaborating with Wētā Workshop to introduce an exciting and uniquely themed replacement for the beloved eagles, with a reveal expected later this year. The skyline may change, but the spirit of adventure in New Zealand continues to thrive as it prepares for its next breathtaking chapter. Notably, in 2014, one eagle fell during an earthquake, but fortunately, no one was injured during that incident.