Wellington Airport Bids Farewell to Iconic Eagle Sculptures
Wellington Airport is set to part with its beloved giant eagle sculptures after 12 years, marking the end of an era linked to New Zealand’s cinematic legacy. Inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien’s "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings," the two massive eagles, one bearing a sculpture of Gandalf on its back, have been a striking welcome for visitors since their installation coincided with the release of Peter Jackson’s film trilogy.
Each eagle weighs 1.2 tons and boasts an impressive 15-meter wingspan, featuring a steel framework covered in polystyrene and adorned with a total of 1,000 feathers—the longest measuring 2.4 meters. These sculptures hold special significance, as eagles often appear in Tolkien’s works, symbolically swooping in to save characters in distress.
Airport CEO Matt Clarke acknowledged the emotional nature of the sculptures’ departure, stating, “They have been a huge success, and travelers from around the world have loved admiring them.” After their disassembly, the eagles will be placed into storage, and while a long-term plan is yet to be established, Clarke hinted at upcoming exciting developments.
Wellington Airport is collaborating with the same team from Weta Workshop that created the eagles, indicating plans for a unique locally themed replacement sculpture. While specifics remain under wraps, anticipation is building for the unveiling later this year amid a broader redesign of the terminal. Notably, a sculpture of Smaug, the formidable dragon from "The Hobbit," will remain on display in the check-in area, preserving a piece of the airport’s magical connection to J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-Earth.
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