Wellington’s famous eagles will take flight from the airport this week after 12 years in the terminal.
They will be replaced by a new display that is currently being kept under wraps.
Wellington Airport chief executive Matt Clarke said that the departure of the birds (and their passenger Gandalf) will be emotional for staff.
“They have been a huge success and travellers from around the world have loved admiring them. After 12 years it’s the right time for them to fly the nest.
“We’re working with Wētā Workshop on some exciting plans for a unique, locally themed replacement to take their place.”
The eagles were created by Wētā Workshop as a tie-in with the Hobbit movies and unveiled in December 2013.
Each bird weighs 1.2 tonnes and has a 15-metre wingspan, with a combined total of 1000 feathers.
Wētā Workshop co-founder and chief creative officer Richard Taylor said it’s a “bittersweet moment” saying goodbye to them.
“There are many more stories to be told, and we’re looking forward to working with Wellington Airport on bringing a new chapter to life.”
The eagles will be taken down and disassembled on Friday May 9 and placed into storage, with long-term plans for them still yet to be decided.
“We’ll unveil what’s next later this year so keep watching the skies,” Clarke said.
Tolkien fans will be relieved to know that Smaug the Magnificent will remain in the check-in area.
