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The sculptures, which include one eagle carrying a figure of Gandalf, were installed to mark the release of Peter Jackson's The Hobbit trilogy, filmed entirely in New Zealand. Since then, the country has become closely associated with J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, drawing countless fans to its scenic filming locations.
Each eagle weighs 1.2 tons and spans 15 meters (49 feet) in wingspan. Built using a steel frame and a polystyrene body, the birds are covered in about 1,000 feathers, with the longest measuring 2.4 meters (8 feet), according to a statement from the airport.
Eagles appear frequently in Tolkien's works, usually showing up at crucial moments to rescue characters from danger. The airport announced that the sculptures will be carefully taken apart and stored for now, though no final decision has been made about their future.
Wellington Airport CEO Matt Clarke reflected on the sculptures' impact, saying, "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."
The eagles were created by Weta Workshop, the renowned New Zealand effects and prop company responsible for much of the visual magic in both The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogies.
Although Clarke didn't reveal what will replace the eagles, he confirmed that Weta Workshop is working on a new, locally themed installation. The new feature will be unveiled later this year as part of a broader redesign of the airport terminal.
Meanwhile, the sculpture of Smaug, the dragon antagonist from The Hobbit, will continue to watch over the check-in area at Wellington Airport.
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