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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Charlotte Graham-McLay

Huge Gandalf statue to be removed from airport after 12 years of delighting tourists

Wellington Wellington Airport Matt Clarke Peter Jackson JRR Tolkien New Zealand
A sculpture of an eagle from the Hobbit films, ridden by the wizard Gandalf, hangs over the food court area of Wellington Airport, in Wellington, New Zealand, Monday, May 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Charlotte Graham-McLay) - (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

For over a decade, travellers at Wellington Airport have been greeted by a fantastical sight: two colossal eagles, straight out of the Lord Of The Rings, suspended from the terminal ceiling.

One even carries the iconic wizard Gandalf, adding to the magical atmosphere.

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