Wellington Airport to Bid Farewell to Iconic Hobbit Eagle Sculptures

Wed Mar 25 2026 16:25:46 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

**Wellington Airport to Bid Farewell to Iconic Hobbit Eagle Sculptures**

The beloved Hobbit-themed eagle sculptures at Wellington Airport are set to be removed to make way for a new exhibit.

**The iconic sculptures, which have welcomed visitors since 2013, will be placed in storage as excitement builds for the upcoming mystery installation.**

For over a decade, Wellington Airport has been home to a pair of striking eagle sculptures inspired by JRR Tolkien's literary works and brought to life for the big screen by renowned filmmaker Sir Peter Jackson. However, airport officials have announced the sculptures will be unfastened from the ceiling this Friday to prepare for an enigmatic new exhibit.

Wellington Airport serves as a significant gateway for tourists eager to explore the stunning landscapes featured in Jackson's films, and the eagle sculptures have been a key part of that experience. "It's not unusual to see airborne departures from Wellington Airport, but in this case, it will be emotional for us," remarked airport chief executive Matt Clarke in a statement.

Each eagle weighs an impressive 1.2 tonnes (approximately 1,200kg), sporting a wingspan of 15 meters (about 49 feet). Notably, riding atop one of the giant birds is a sculpture of the iconic wizard, Gandalf. The eagles, crafted from polystyrene with internal steel frames and adorned with hundreds of feathers, featuring the longest measuring 2.4 meters (or 8 feet), will be stored away after their removal.

Although the farewell to the iconic eagles may be bittersweet for fans, there is still something to look forward to. Smaug the Magnificent, the dragon from The Hobbit, will remain displayed in the airport's check-in area, ensuring that a piece of the franchise continues to welcome travelers.

The eagles were originally unveiled in 2013 coinciding with the launch of The Hobbit trilogy, crafted by Wētā Workshop, the acclaimed New Zealand-based company known for its exceptional props and costume design for The Lord of the Rings series. Clarke hinted at exciting collaborations with Wētā Workshop for a new, locally-themed replacement coming later this year. "We'll unveil what's next later this year, so keep watching the skies," he teased.

In a notable incident back in 2014, one of the eagles fell during an earthquake, but fortunately, there were no injuries reported from that incident. The unique sculptures have become a distinctive aspect of the Wellington Airport experience, leaving behind cherished memories as they find a new chapter ahead.