What a great trip you'll have - have you been to NZ before?
If you're heading to Taranaki I recommend visiting Tawhiti Museum in Hawera, it tells a great history of the land wars between the Maori & white settlers. If it's a clear day I suggest driving up to the ski field car park on Mt Taranaki & look out inland towards Mt Ruapehu & Mt Tongariro - if you're lucky you'll see both.
Also, if you've never driven in NZ before you may get a shock regarding driving times - due to the hills, corners & lack of dual lane roads it takes a lot longer to get from A to B than it does in Australia (unless you live in Tassie in which case you'll be used to the hills & corners )
You may struggle to get to all the places you want to visit in 8days. Especially in a camper which will likely struggle with some of the hills. We had a budget hire car in January & were shocked we made it lol.
It is a beautiful country & you will have plenty to see & do. Have fun!!
We are also heading over to NZ for 18 days in the North Island in October.
Wai O Tapu is just out of Rotorua and is good.
Waitomo Caves can be a big expensive and dodgy. Spellbound Caves is much better and intimate.
Just out of Ruapehu is Ohakune which hosts the Big Carrot if that sort of thing interests you, lol!
Hamilton is soooo boring.
Napier is in Hawkes bay, it has an aquarium, markets, and lots of stuff to see.
Tane Mahuta is gorgeous, just be cautious of what you leave in your car as there a high crime rate.
Near Tane is Kai Iwi lakes. Gorgeous fresh water lakes. If you strike a nice day it is a great place to swim.
Wai-o-tapu is the better of the thermal parks. In Rotorua there is a Maori culture experience that is probably better than what Taupo can offer. There is also a Gondola and Luge in Rotorua - your boys would probably be of a good age for Luge.
The big carrot is awesome!! Well, really it isn't but it is quite big. There is free camper van parking near the big carrot for BBer's.
Good point on the driving times. AA travel calculator is reasonably accurate.
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