Wellington Airport to Bid Farewell to Iconic Hobbit Eagles

For over ten years, the giant eagle sculptures inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien’s "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" have greeted travelers at Wellington Airport. However, airport officials have announced that the striking figures will be taken down soon to prepare for an undisclosed new exhibit. The eagles, symbolic of Tolkien's storytelling legacy, have held a special place in the hearts of visitors, serving as a nostalgic reminder of the epic films directed by Sir Peter Jackson.

Wellington Airport’s chief executive, Matt Clarke, expressed bittersweet emotions about the change, noting that it would be an emotional farewell, even as they look toward a new chapter for the airport’s decor. The statues, weighing an impressive 1.2 tonnes and boasting a wingspan of 15 meters, are crafted from polystyrene with steel frames, adorned with intricately made feathers, each measuring up to 2.4 meters long. Despite their removal, fans will still have the opportunity to see Smaug the Magnificent, the famous dragon from the franchise, that will remain on display in the check-in area.

Originally unveiled in 2013 alongside the release of The Hobbit trilogy, the eagles were created by Wētā Workshop, the studio renowned for its work on the iconic film series. Clarke indicated that there are plans for a locally themed replacement exhibit in collaboration with Wētā Workshop, sparking excitement about what might replace these beloved sculptures. More details are expected later in the year, as Wellington Airport prepares to continue its legacy of celebrating New Zealand’s cinematic heritage. Interestingly, one of the eagles suffered damage during an earthquake in 2014, but luckily, no one was hurt.

As the city prepares to bid adieu to the eagles, the focus shifts to the future, promising fresh visual experiences for airport visitors and an opportunity to embrace new cultural elements unique to the region.