My husband and I are planning to travel around the south island, start and end from Christchurch, in the first two weeks of September. Our original plan was to rent a campervan with shower and toilet. With such bad weather in NZ now, I really don't know if we should still go with campervan? Any suggestions?

I still would. September often starts to see more settled weather as opposed to the current very unsettled conditions we're experiencing and I'm hearing a lot of people down here in South Canterbury comment on this cold snap happening later than usual.

That said, it is going to be cold, particularly at night, so bear that in mind. I honestly wouldn't let the cold weather put me off hiring the van (personally) but I'd want to make sure I was wrapped up.

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In September you do not have to expect such big snow dumps anymore - and if it happens you will also be stuck if you travel by car.

Personally I would surely not travel by campervan at the end of winter - but that is me, and if you do not mind to travel the rough way it should not be a problem. Every day I see a lot of people travelling by campervan or motorhome. Of course, I have also met some who were happy when they could spend a night or two in our house - but all of them survived ;-)

I assume the camper you hired has some kind of heating (would be a good idea to check this point) so this should be enough to keep you warm. Make sure you are supplied with snow chains.
If you are worried about road conditions, you can always replace the camper with a regular car. I can recommend a company we have dealt with - www.allwaysrental.co.nz. They have a static rate table which gives you an idea of the rates, but if you email them you will be surprised by their great deals.