The Forest and Bird Society is keen to reintroduce the extinct Haast's eagle to its natural habitat in Otago and Southland and has sought Wanaka Community Board support for its project.
But people along State Highway 6 need not fear a gigantic 14kg bird with a 3m wingspan, revived through test tubes and genetic science.
It is a sculpture trail the society has in mind.
Wanaka society member Mark Ayre presented the proposal to the board yesterday.
It involves creating several life-sized Haast's eagle sculptures, to be sited near the state highway in Wanaka, Lake Hawea, Makarora and Haast.
Designs have not been commissioned yet but the sculptures would be large, probably metal and see-through, Mr Ayre said.
"Rather than have a wine trail or a historical trail, we could have a Haast's eagle trail."
Haast's eagle (pouakai; Harpagornis moorei) was the world's largest eagle and died out after its main prey, the moa, became extinct.
The Central Otago-Lakes branch of the society wants support in principle from local authorities.
Queenstown Lakes Mayor Clive Geddes said the society should approach the Aspiring Arts Trust, which has the delegated authority to consider the placement of art in the environment.
The council had previously declined permission for a Haast's eagle sculpture on the top of the Crown Range, for traffic safety reasons.
It was important the society also approached the New Zealand Transport Authority to discuss the project, Mr Geddes said.
