Wellington Airport will unfasten the giant eagle sculptures inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien’s works this Friday, making room for an upcoming exhibit, leaving fans and visitors nostalgic.
New Zealand Airport Set to Retire Iconic Hobbit Eagles for New Exhibit
New Zealand Airport Set to Retire Iconic Hobbit Eagles for New Exhibit
Wellington Airport prepares to bid farewell to its beloved Hobbit-themed eagle sculptures for a fresh attraction.
The whimsical journey of two giant eagle sculptures, inspired by Tolkien's legendary works, is nearing an end at New Zealand's Wellington Airport. For over ten years, these fantastical installations have welcomed travelers, but changes are underway. The airport authorities recently announced the sculptures will be removed from their lofty perch to pave the way for a new mystery exhibit.
These majestic eagles, which captured the essence of cinematic artistry for both The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, served as a recognizably whimsical feature at the airport. Made by the renowned Wētā Workshop, each eagle weighs 1.2 tonnes and measures 15 meters across the wingspan. Their creator, Sir Peter Jackson, brought New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes to global audiences, and the eagles were a homage to that legacy.
Airport CEO Matt Clarke expressed the emotional impact of their removal, stating, "It's not unusual to see airborne departures from Wellington Airport, but in this case, it will be emotional for us." Both sculptures will be placed in storage without definitive plans for their future placement. A notable element is that Smaug, the dragon from The Hobbit, will continue to guard the check-in area, offering solace to fans amid the changes.
Initially unveiled in 2013 alongside the Hobbit trilogy, the eagle sculptures have become a significant aspect of the airport's identity. Clarke also hinted at an exciting local-themed replacement developed in collaboration with Wētā Workshop, urging the public to remain patient as new reveals await later this year. Past incidents that have sparked concern include one eagle collapsing during an earthquake in 2014, which fortunately left no injuries.
As the airport transitions, the towering presence of these eagles will be missed but hints at a future adventure for Wellington Airport.
These majestic eagles, which captured the essence of cinematic artistry for both The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, served as a recognizably whimsical feature at the airport. Made by the renowned Wētā Workshop, each eagle weighs 1.2 tonnes and measures 15 meters across the wingspan. Their creator, Sir Peter Jackson, brought New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes to global audiences, and the eagles were a homage to that legacy.
Airport CEO Matt Clarke expressed the emotional impact of their removal, stating, "It's not unusual to see airborne departures from Wellington Airport, but in this case, it will be emotional for us." Both sculptures will be placed in storage without definitive plans for their future placement. A notable element is that Smaug, the dragon from The Hobbit, will continue to guard the check-in area, offering solace to fans amid the changes.
Initially unveiled in 2013 alongside the Hobbit trilogy, the eagle sculptures have become a significant aspect of the airport's identity. Clarke also hinted at an exciting local-themed replacement developed in collaboration with Wētā Workshop, urging the public to remain patient as new reveals await later this year. Past incidents that have sparked concern include one eagle collapsing during an earthquake in 2014, which fortunately left no injuries.
As the airport transitions, the towering presence of these eagles will be missed but hints at a future adventure for Wellington Airport.
