Hobbit-themed eagle sculptures-
Wellington Airport in New Zealand has some really cool Hobbit-themed statues. When you walk into the airport, you’ll see:
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Two huge eagles flying from the ceiling — one of them even has Gandalf the wizard riding on it.
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A big Gollum trying to grab some fish.
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A scary dragon eye from Smaug, the dragon from The Hobbit.
These statues were made by Weta Workshop, the same team that worked on the special effects in
The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings movies. Over time, they’ve become a favorite for fans and
travelers — people love taking pictures with them.
Why People Got Worried
Back in 2014, there was an earthquake, and one of the eagle statues fell down. Luckily, no one
was hurt. After that, the airport checked all the statues to make sure they were safe.
Recently, there were rumors that the airport might remove the statues. This made fans sad
and worried.
The Good News
The airport has now confirmed that the statues are not going anywhere. They clearly said:
“Gandalf, the eagles, and Smaug are still here — and staying here.”
So you can still enjoy them if you visit the airport!
Why These Statues Matter
These sculptures aren’t just decorations — they’re part of New Zealand’s identity. Since The
Hobbit and Lord of the Rings were filmed here, the statues help keep that magic alive. They also
give visitors a special and memorable welcome when they land in the country.