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Wellington Airport’s iconic giant eagle sculptures will be flying off into the sunset this Friday, May9, ending a 12-year residence in the terminal.
The two eagles and Gandalf will be replaced by a new display later this year which is being kept under wraps for now.
Wellington Airport chief executive Matt Clarke says it will be the end of an era for the airport, with excitement building for what’s coming next.
“It’s not unusual to see airborne departures from Wellington Airport, but in this case, it will be emotional for us.
“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. We’ll unveil what’s next later this year so keep watching the skies.
“By the end of the year the whole terminal is going to have a spectacular new look with the new multi-level hospitality venue open as well.”
The eagles were made by Wētā Workshop and unveiled in December 2013 to tie in with the Hobbit movies.
Wētā Workshop co-founder and chief creative officer Richard Taylor says it’s a bittersweet moment farewelling the eagles which have become such an iconic feature for locals and travellers alike.
“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.”
Each eagle weighs 1.2 tonnes and has an internal steel framework and a polystyrene body.
They have a 15-metre wingspan and a combined total of 1000 feathers, with the longest feather measuring 2.4 metres.
The eagles will be disassembled overnight on the evening of Friday and placed into storage.
The long-term plans for them are still to be decided.
Smaug the Magnificent remains in the check-in area.
