14 Inspiring Movies That Will Get You Pumped to Travel

Last Updated: 18 August, 2022

Movies About Travel (or at Least Travel to New Zealand)

Travelling isn’t just something that happens in movies. If you are waiting for a sign, this could be it! The characters in movies can go on adventures all over the world, so why can’t you? Check out these movies about travel to get you inspired!

There are not many things in movies that we can replicate in real life, but thankfully, travelling is one of them. In fact, New Zealand is one of the easiest countries for travel, so by following the information on our website, you’ll find that it’s a breeze!

Need an extra push? Check out: 22 Inspirational Travel Quotes.

1. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

Ben Stiller’s character, Walter Mitty, escapes real life by daydreaming an alternative life where he is the hero and travelling the world. Except travelling doesn’t have to be in your imagination.

2. The Motorcycle Diaries

You too could write memoirs of your journey and self-discovery like Ernesto Guevara in The Motorcycle Diaries! The movie is a coming-of-age movie as Ernesto travels through South America.

3. L’auberge Espagnole

In this movie translated as “The Spanish Apartment” experience what it is really like to live in a multicultural house. It’s something similar to what you might experience when renting a flat in New Zealand.

4. The Darjeeling Limited

So there aren’t many trains in New Zealand but The Darjeeling Limited reminds you of the joys of taking the peasant wagon.

5. Lost in Translation

Bill Murray and Scarlet Johansson show us what it’s like to have fleeting friendships and relationships abroad.

6. Into the Wild

New Zealand is famous for its wilderness experiences. Get inspired by the great outdoors with Into The Wild.

7. Seven Years in Tibet

Is being trapped in a prisoner of war camp classed as travelling? We’ll take the lessons about immersing in another culture as inspiration to travel.

8. Encounters at the End of the World

Watch this documentary film about the places and people of Antarctica. New Zealand is likely as close to Antarctica as you’re likely to get!

9. The Lord of the Rings

Those landscapes aren’t just a thing of fantasy. Travel to New Zealand and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into Middle-earth. Find all the locations in 23 Lord of the Rings Locations You Can’t Miss in New Zealand.

10. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy

Backpacking through space will one day be possible! Just don’t forget to bring a towel.

11. Eat Pray Love

The cure for heartbreak? Travelling and stuffing your face.

12. The Way

Pilgrimage/backpacking: the same thing right? The Way shows us that you’re never too old to travel.

13. One Week

When Ben Tyler is diagnosed with cancer he needs immediate treatment. Instead, he travels across Canada and lives life to the fullest.

14. Up

Adventure is out there and Up is a great reminder of that!

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Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
Immigration New Zealand (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2025])
New Zealand Customs Service (Customs and Biosecurity - Updated [2025])
New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD online platform - Updated [2025])
Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])
Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2025])
Stats NZ (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2025])
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2025])
DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2025])
Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])
AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2025])

Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

Robin C.

This article has been reviewed and approved by Robin, who is the co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. With more than 15 years of experience in the New Zealand tourism industry, Robin has co-founded three influential tourism businesses and five additional travel guides for South Pacific nations. He is an expert in New Zealand travel and has tested over 600 activities and 300+ accommodations across the country.

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