Wellington Airport to Say Goodbye to Iconic Hobbit Eagles

The famous eagle sculptures, celebrating New Zealand's cinematic heritage, will be removed for a mystery installation set to debut later this year.

For over ten years, Wellington Airport has welcomed travelers with its striking Hobbit-inspired eagle sculptures, symbols of the films directed by Sir Peter Jackson. However, news broke that these iconic birds will be unfastened from the airport's ceiling on Friday to pave the way for an upcoming mystery exhibit, according to airport officials.

The eagles, which represent messengers from JRR Tolkien's renowned works, have enchanted visitors and helped bolster tourism, as they showcase the breathtaking landscapes featured in the films. Matt Clarke, chief executive of Wellington Airport, expressed some sadness about the change, stating, "It's not unusual to see airborne departures from Wellington Airport, but in this case, it will be emotional for us."

Each eagle, weighing approximately 1.2 tonnes (1,200 kg) and boasting a wingspan of 15 meters (49 feet), is crafted from polystyrene and supported by an internal steel structure. They are adorned with hundreds of feathers, with the longest measuring 2.4 meters (8 feet). One of the sculptures even features a depiction of Gandalf, the famous wizard from the franchise.

Following their removal, the eagles will be placed in storage, although airport authorities have not disclosed any long-term plans for them. While fans may be saddened by the departure of the eagles, there is a silver lining: Smaug the Magnificent, the dragon from The Hobbit, will remain on display at the check-in area, ensuring that some elements of the beloved franchise remain at the airport.

Originally unveiled in 2013, during the launch of The Hobbit trilogy, the sculptures were designed by Wētā Workshop, known for their exceptional work in the film industry. Clarke revealed that airport officials are collaborating with Wētā Workshop on plans for a locally themed replacement. The new exhibit details will be revealed later this year, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what will take flight next at Wellington Airport.

In a notable incident back in 2014, one of the eagles fell during an earthquake, but fortunately, there were no injuries reported from that event. As the airport undergoes this transformation, it marks the end of an era for these monumental figures in New Zealand's cultural landscape.