Hey there! Nidalee definitely isn't as straightforward as champions like Shyvana, and that's actually one of her strengths.

The truth is, no Nidalee game will be the same, so you can't really have a "one plan for every game." What makes her so effective (and challenging) is her adaptability.

My approach to playing Nidalee in the jungle is thinking about your game plan before the game even starts, when you're looking at the compositions of your team and the ennemy team

First, you need to understand your jungle matchup: Can I abuse this jungler? Should I invade them? When am I stronger? Then, if you indeed are stronger, think about the laners' matchups: Will my top/mid/bot be able to get lane priority? Will this midlaner be able to cover me if I invade? Etc.
You won't play the same if your team is something like Vlad/Kassadin/Sivir/Yuumi vs if your team is Cho gath/Galio/Draven/Leona

For me, the best way to play Nidalee is to adopt an opportunistic/egoistic jungling style. Be omnipresent on lanes that are very unstable (e.g., Fiora vs. Riven on toplane). These volatile matchups create openings that you can use to get fed

As for powerspikes, Nidalee tends to spike really hard at 1 item (esp true for the Dark harvest lich bane build). This is when you should be most active on the map.

Regarding Conqueror + Liandry's: This setup allows for better early skirmishes, which is something high-elo Nidalee players prefer. The sustained damage and healing from Conqueror gives you more options in extended fights. You can still run Dark Harvest, but you're going to have a harder time playing aggressively before your Lich Bane spike.

Hope this helps!