After more than ten years of serving as iconic symbols of New Zealand's cinematic heritage at Wellington Airport, the beloved Hobbit-themed eagle sculptures will be retired this Friday. Airport authorities announced the decision to unfasten the massive artworks, which have welcomed travelers since their installation in 2013 in conjunction with the release of The Hobbit trilogy.
Wellington Airport's Hobbit Eagles Set for Departure as New Exhibit Approaches
Wellington Airport's Hobbit Eagles Set for Departure as New Exhibit Approaches
Wellington Airport's beloved giant eagle sculptures are being removed to make space for an undisclosed new attraction.
The eagles, which stand at 1.2 tonnes with a wingspan of 15 meters, feature intricate details including polystyrene bodies and hundreds of feathers. They represent significant elements of J.R.R. Tolkien's world, appearing as grand messengers in both The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.
Wellington Airport chief executive Matt Clarke expressed a mix of nostalgia and anticipation for the future. “It’s not unusual to see airborne departures from Wellington Airport, but in this case, it will be emotional for us," he stated, adding that the eagles will be placed in storage for now without specific plans for their longer-term destination.
Despite the departure of the eagles, another beloved sculpture, Smaug the Magnificent, will remain on display, continuing to draw the attention of fans. Clarke mentioned ongoing collaborations with Wētā Workshop, the creative force behind the sculptures, hinting at a "unique, locally themed replacement" planned for the future. More details will be revealed later this year, as airport officials aim to maintain the excitement and charm that the eagles brought to visitors of Wellington.
In 2014, one of the eagles was damaged when it fell during an earthquake, though thankfully, no injuries were reported from the incident.
As fans bid farewell to these cinematic icons, they are left looking forward to what the future holds for Wellington Airport.
Wellington Airport chief executive Matt Clarke expressed a mix of nostalgia and anticipation for the future. “It’s not unusual to see airborne departures from Wellington Airport, but in this case, it will be emotional for us," he stated, adding that the eagles will be placed in storage for now without specific plans for their longer-term destination.
Despite the departure of the eagles, another beloved sculpture, Smaug the Magnificent, will remain on display, continuing to draw the attention of fans. Clarke mentioned ongoing collaborations with Wētā Workshop, the creative force behind the sculptures, hinting at a "unique, locally themed replacement" planned for the future. More details will be revealed later this year, as airport officials aim to maintain the excitement and charm that the eagles brought to visitors of Wellington.
In 2014, one of the eagles was damaged when it fell during an earthquake, though thankfully, no injuries were reported from the incident.
As fans bid farewell to these cinematic icons, they are left looking forward to what the future holds for Wellington Airport.
