WELLINGTON, New Zealand – For over a decade, passengers at Wellington Airport in New Zealand have been welcomed by two magnificent sculptures of eagles from the Hobbit films. One of these 50-foot (15-meter) eagles famously bears a bellowing wizard, Gandalf. Since their installation in 2013, these remarkable figures, with a weight of 2,600 pounds (1.1 tons) each, have been a source of joy for tourists and trepidation for children alike.
These oversized sculptures have had a storied existence; notably, one eagle became unmoored during a severe earthquake in 2016 and fell to the terminal floor. Thankfully, no injuries resulted from the incident. However, this month marks the end of their time at the airport, as Wellington Airport announced on Monday that the sculptures will be removed for good.
Matt Clarke, the chief executive of Wellington Airport, commented on the change, stating, “It’s been quite a Lord of the Rings-heavy storytelling theme in here. Now we’re looking to change that to something new.” The decision has sparked a wave of nostalgia among travelers. One passenger, Verity Johnson, expressed her sorrow while sitting beneath a grasping eagle claw in the food court, pleading, “Please, please reconsider. It breaks my heart.” Another traveler, Michael Parks, jokingly stated, “Taking them away is un-New Zealand.”
The eagles were meticulously crafted by Weta Workshop, the film props and effects company responsible for thousands of props designed for both the Oscar-winning “Lord of the Rings” and “Hobbit” trilogies, directed by Wellington’s own Peter Jackson. The films, based on J.R.R. Tolkien's classic novels, generated billions in tourism revenue and provided numerous employment opportunities in Wellington over their lengthy production span.
Despite the historical significance of these sculptures, interest in Tolkien-themed tourism has diminished in Wellington over the years. Nevertheless, the city remains closely associated with Jackson's cinematic masterpieces. Although the eagles are departing, guided tours continue to lead fans to iconic filming locations and production companies, including Weta Workshop, which is set to create a new display for the airport, slated for unveiling later in the year.
Travelers have until Friday to appreciate the historical sculptures, as they will be relocated to storage afterward. Clarke hopes that these stunning eagles, each adorned with 1,000 3D-printed feathers, will eventually secure a new home at a museum, where they can continue to inspire audiences.
Despite the farewell to the eagles, Wellington Airport is not entirely relinquishing its quirky charm. A massive sculpture of Smaug, the gold-hoarding dragon from the Hobbit series, will remain prominently displayed above the check-in counters, ensuring that the airport still captures a sense of whimsy as it evolves its thematic offerings.
