Sounds like a wise plan, given the uncertainty.

If SH1 north of Kaikoura re-opens: According to my old HEMA Maps NZ Touring Atlas, prior to the Kaikoura earthquake, the trip from Kaikoura to Blenheim would have been 1 hour, 50 minutes, Kaikoura to Picton 2 hours, 15 minutes.

AA Drive Distance Calculator says it'll take 2 hours 19 minutes from Blenheim to Motueka. From Picton to Motueka, via scenic but curvy Queen Charlotte Drive, would be 2 hours, 41 minutes (a long drive in total, so you have to take a few breaks). Enroute, Havelock is a good stop for dining on green mussels, Mapua Wharf is also a scenic dining spot.
http://www.mapuawharf.co.nz/about-mapua-wharf/

Diamantina
I saw your post about SH-1, so I think we are going to spend a day in Kaikoura.

Annhig
Thanks a lot for adjusting my schedule. We will follow as you suggested

I hope that you enjoy NZ as much as we did, karore - not long to go now!

That sounds like a good way of breaking up your drive from Christchurch to Motueka. Please check the NZ Transportation website before setting off on your drive, to check for delays enroute:
https://www.nzta.govt.nz/

Looking back at your itinerary, you then plan traveling down the West Coast, spending a night in Punakaiki and two nights in Fox Glacier village, hoping to see Franz Josef Glacier along the way.

Franz Josef and Fox are about a half hour drive apart, road is scenic but twisty, so you might not want to drive back and forth between the two. I can't recall your specific plans for the glaciers, but, if you won't have much time for Franz Josef, you might be interested in the short, easy walk to Peter's Pool. It has a pretty view of a reflecting pool and glaciers.
According to this recent article, the glacier has advanced:
https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/west-c...begins-advance

Here's a informative link for the Peter's Pool walk:
http://www.doc.govt.nz/peters-pool-walk
Also:
https://www.aa.co.nz/travel/editorial/peters-pool-walk/

Diamantina - that's good news about the glacier. Let's hope it's a long-term trend and not a blip.

Thank you so, so much for all your help. The forum has been invaluable in planning the trip. We will be traveling tomorrow

Have a great trip! Please report back and let us know how it went.

If you're still planning to pass through Kaikoura, check this link for updates:
Plan your journey (P2C) | NZ Transport Agency
The weather has been so hot and sunny, but some summer thunderstorms could cause temporary road problems.

Have a great time!

yes, bon voyage.

Please come back and tell us what a fab time you had.

Please check this post:
Cyclone Gita

Hi Guys
Diamantina, annhig, Mlnq8 and everyone else who contributed Thank you, so, so much. We had a wonderful absolutely amazing trip that would not have been possible without your suggestions and recommendations. A million thanks. I will post a trip report soon with more details

That's great news. So glad you had a wonderful time.

Brilliant! I look forward to your report karore. We leave for a month on the SI in 24 days!