After soaring above travelers for over a decade, the iconic eagle sculptures inspired by The Hobbit films are set to be removed from Wellington Airport this week. Installed in 2013 to coincide with the release of Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit trilogy, the two massive eagles—one featuring the wizard Gandalf—have become beloved fixtures for fans and visitors alike. As the airport prepares to unveil its next chapter, travelers and fans alike bid a fond farewell to Gandalf and his majestic companions.

Each sculpture, crafted by Wētā Workshop, boasts a wingspan of 15 meters and weighs approximately 1.2 tonnes. Constructed from polystyrene with an internal steel framework, the eagles are adorned with hundreds of feathers, the longest measuring 2.4 meters. Their impressive presence has made them popular photo spots and symbols of New Zealand’s deep connection to J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth.

Wellington Airport's Chief Executive, Matt Clarke, announced that the eagles will be dismantled on Friday night and placed into storage. “They have been a huge success, and travelers from around the world have loved admiring them. After 12 years, it’s the right time for them to fly the nest,” Clarke stated. While their future remains uncertain, there is hope that they will find a new home in a museum or public display.

The decision to remove the sculptures marks a shift in the airport's thematic focus. Wētā Workshop is collaborating with the airport to create a new, locally themed installation, details of which are being kept under wraps. Clarke hinted at exciting plans ahead, encouraging travelers to "keep watching the skies" for the upcoming reveal later this year. Despite the eagles' departure, the airport will retain its connection to Middle-earth through the continued display of Smaug the dragon, another impressive sculpture from The Hobbit films, which overlooks the check-in area.