Easter Island, a relatively small speck of land remotely situated 3,512 kilometres off the coast of Chile, has intrigued travellers for centuries. Also known as Rapa Nui, the island and its history have a way of capturing the imagination of anyone who visits. A thousand Moai, enormous rock statues standing several metres high, "inhabit" the island. The work involved in carving a single statue is unfathomable. How they were transported and placed atop their Ahu (platforms), often tens of kilometres away from the rock quarry, remains one of the world's great unsolved mysteries.

For a photographer, there is potential not just in capturing these ancient relics and photogenic statues, but also in the surrounding landscapes. Simply put: Easter Island is a beautiful place, with a rugged coastline, volcanic features, a gentle interior where wild horses roam, and turquoise-blue seas.

With Polynesian roots and a more modern-day Chilean influence, Rapa Nui has a unique blend of cultures, food (hello, ceviche) and language. It is a remarkable place that truly lives up to its reputation. Here is a body of work from my visit back in February 2019!

Travelling Moai. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Moai at Rano Raraku. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Rano Raraku. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Self-portrait at Rano Kau. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Poiku Peninsula, the wildest part of Easter Island. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Colours of Ovahe. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

The islet of Motu Nui from Orongo. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Sunrise at Tongariki. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

The wild coastline of Easter Island. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Wild horses near the coast. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

All of these images are available as limited-edition prints in a variety of sizes and formats. Check out our Prints page for more information!

Ana Kakenga, a lava tube near the coast. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Nighttime at Ahu Tongariki. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Ahu Tongariki. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.

Ahu Huri a Urenga, the only Moai with four hands. Photo by Paul Zizka Photography.