For more than a decade, passengers at New Zealand’s Wellington Airport have boarded flights below the figures of two giant, hovering eagles from the Hobbit films, one bearing a bellowing wizard Gandalf. But this month the majestic creatures, which underscore the capital city’s connection to Peter Jackson’s “Lord of the Rings” and Hobbit films, will depart the terminal for good, Wellington Airport announced Monday.

Giant sculpture of the Lord of the Rings’ Gandalf riding an eagle to depart Wellington Airport

For more than a decade, passengers at New Zealand’s Wellington Airport have boarded flights below the figures of two giant, hovering eagles from the Hobbit films, one bearing a bellowing wizard Gandalf. But this month the majestic creatures, which underscore the capital city’s connection to Peter Jackson’s “Lord of the Rings” and Hobbit films, will depart the terminal for good, Wellington Airport announced Monday.
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