Wellington Airport has announced that its iconic Hobbit-themed eagle sculptures will be unfastened from the ceiling this Friday to clear the way for a new mystery exhibit. These giant eagles, which have welcomed travelers for over a decade, were inspired by JRR Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, by Kiwi filmmaker Sir Peter Jackson.
The eagles symbolize the beautiful landscapes showcased in the films, attracting countless tourists. Wellington Airport's CEO, Matt Clarke, expressed a tinge of nostalgia, stating that while airborne departures are routine at the airport, this particular change feels emotional. The sculptures will be stored away without any long-term plans for their future.
Each eagle, weighing 1.2 tonnes and boasting a wingspan of 15 meters, features a remarkably detailed structure, complete with a smaller statue of Gandalf riding on one. They have been a part of the airport since 2013, coinciding with the release of The Hobbit trilogy. Crafted by Wētā Workshop, renowned for its work on the franchise, the eagles were a hit among fans.
Despite this change, fans can still enjoy Smaug the Magnificent, a dragon from The Hobbit, which will remain on display in the check-in area. Clarke hinted at a locally-themed replacement for the eagles and encouraged everyone to stay tuned for the exciting announcement later this year. Notably, one eagle fell during an earthquake in 2014, but fortunately, no injuries occurred.
The eagles symbolize the beautiful landscapes showcased in the films, attracting countless tourists. Wellington Airport's CEO, Matt Clarke, expressed a tinge of nostalgia, stating that while airborne departures are routine at the airport, this particular change feels emotional. The sculptures will be stored away without any long-term plans for their future.
Each eagle, weighing 1.2 tonnes and boasting a wingspan of 15 meters, features a remarkably detailed structure, complete with a smaller statue of Gandalf riding on one. They have been a part of the airport since 2013, coinciding with the release of The Hobbit trilogy. Crafted by Wētā Workshop, renowned for its work on the franchise, the eagles were a hit among fans.
Despite this change, fans can still enjoy Smaug the Magnificent, a dragon from The Hobbit, which will remain on display in the check-in area. Clarke hinted at a locally-themed replacement for the eagles and encouraged everyone to stay tuned for the exciting announcement later this year. Notably, one eagle fell during an earthquake in 2014, but fortunately, no injuries occurred.
