Gigantic eagle statues inspired by "The Hobbit" will be leaving New Zealand's airport.
Let's Talk Welly Airport's Soaring Goodbyes
For over a decade, two hulking eagle sculptures, inspired by the magical worlds of Middle-earth, have dominated the skyline at Wellington Airport. But fear not, fans of these avian wonders, for they're not taking off on a final flight to Mordor! They're just moving house, departing the airport this very week.
First installed a dozen years ago, these colossal creatures were put in place during the release of Peter Jackson's "The Hobbit" movie trilogy, filmed right here in the Land of the Long White Cloud. Ever since, they've captivated tourists from far and wide, serving as a picturesque backdrop for countless selfies.
Each eagle weight a hefty 1.2 tons and boasts a mighty 15-meter wingspan. Constructed from an inner steel frame, polystyrene body, and armed with a whopping 1,000 feathers – with the longest measuring 8 feet – it’s no wonder they've earned the hearts of so many.
Eagles are no strangers to Middle-earth, often swooping in to save the day in Tolkien's tales. So, in many ways, these winged warriors are the perfect guardians of this airport, the gateway to the country that brought Tolkien’s legend to life.
Now, it's time for these eagles to spread their wings once more and take flight from Wellington Airport. The chief executive, Matt Clarke, shares our collective emotions in this bittersweet farewell:
Once disassembled, these eagles will find a temporary home in storage, but don't worry – there's no need to break out the mourning hoods just yet. Weta Workshop, the geniuses behind these birds of prey, are working with the airport on exciting plans for a brand new, locally inspired showpiece. Expect more details later this year when the terminal will undergo an entire redesign.
So, while the days of Gandalf perched atop one of these regal eagles are numbered, fear not. Wellington Airport is still chock-full of Middle-earth magic. The dragon, Smaug, the main antagonist from "The Hobbit," will continue to terrorize the check-in area, ensuring a rip-roaring time for all!
- The hobbit-inspired eagle sculptures, each weighing a ton and boasting a 15-meter wingspan, are leaving Wellington Airport after 12 years, despite their fan base from movies-and-tv enthusiasts.
- The colossal eagles, made from polystyrene, steel, and featuring 1,000 feathers with the longest reaching 8 feet, will soon be relocating from Wellington Airport, just like a hobbit embarking on a new journey.
- Although the eagles are moving from Wellington Airport, the entertainment offered there remains rooted in Middle-earth magic, with the dragon Smaug, from the Hobbit movies, continuing to terrorize the check-in area.
