There are so many things to consider that I am having a hard time putting together a 14 day itinerary for the south island from Christchurch and returning there. We will have a week on the north coast with Picton, Blenheim, and we'll have to see about Kaikoura as will probably have to change our hiking plans there due to the earthquake.

We have a Certified Self Contained small van type rv and are willing to free camp or camp in National Parks. Our ideas at this point in time FOR WHICH I WOULD LOVE SUGGESTIONS.
Christchurch over Arthurs Pass to the west coast and then drive down to the glaciers. Glaciers down the coast and up to Lake Wanaka. Then to Queens town and then drive down to Te Anau on the way to Milford Sound. Return through Queenstown to end up back in Christchurch.
Our plans would be to maybe stop in 6 0r 7 places so as to spend multiple nights in several locations to allow for a lot of hiking.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!!!

Better forget the whole north east coast of the South Island. Kaikoura is still cut off with the landslips blocking the main highway. There is no water supply in the town.
Head over to the West Coast and enjoy a leisurely trip around there and then to the south of the South Island. The earthquake has not affected Queenstown.
Does the van have toilet, shower and kitchen? Otherwise freedom camping is illegal.
Check out the DOC (Department of Conservation)website for places you can camp in.
www.doc.govt.nz/freedomcamping.

Yes, it is self contained although small. We're aware of the whole NorthEast. We'll be in Picton and Bleinheim before we do the 14 day van trip.
Any suggestions on the rv itinerary I'm looking at?

Your itinerary is fine, done all the time.

Only thing I'd change - drive from Wanaka to Te Anau, then on to Queenstown, then back to Christchurch.

You've got a lot of options for overnight stays en route with a camper - you might look into Lake Brunner, Lake Paringa and Bruce Bay - all beautiful spots.

And, if you have time, I'd suggest you drive back to Christchurch via 'the back roads'. Meaning up to Geraldine, then via 79/72 - perhaps with a stop in the Peel Forest and another stop at Rakaia Gorge, then 77/73 to Christchurch via Darfield or thereabouts.

Much more interesting than returning via the east coast, which BTW is the least scenic stretch of road on the South Island.













Christchurch over Arthurs Pass to the west coast and then drive down to the glaciers. Glaciers down the coast and up to Lake Wanaka. Then to Queens town and then drive down to Te Anau on the way to Milford Sound. Return through Queenstown to end up back in Christchurch.

Opps, did a cut and paste for reference while I posted, then forgot to erase!

Thanks Melnq8. Back to scheduling in a few days. Stopping to celebrate one our favorite U.S. holidays, Thanksgiving

Gobble, gobble!