Three of the best Waikato outings

The V Energy Battle Carts. Photo / Facebook (Venergynz)

While you're in the 'hood check out some other finds

1. Battle it Out

Matamata has been chosen as the setting for the V Battle Carts, craziness like you wouldn't believe. Take a spin in the V Battle Carts, play with V Energy Balls, V Target Practice, a hard park and more. Rescheduled from Saturday, so if you already have tickets join the fun on Sunday's V Battle Carts Open, 1375 Tower Rd, Matamata. Tomorrow 9am to 5pm. See VEnergynz for tickets.

2. Eat like there's no tomorrow

Pull off the highway for New Zealand's biggest icecream at the Pokeno Icecream Parlour. Their record is 18 scoops in one icecream. Check out the farmers' market every Sunday for fresh produce or take another detour for Pokeno Bacon and the famous Dutch cheeses at Mercer Cheese.

Pokeno Icecream: 1km past the State Highway 2, turn off and head for the Matamata/Piako district.

Mercer Cheese: Roose Rd, Mercer. Open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm.

Pokeno Bacon: Great South Rd, Mercer. Open daily, 7am to 9pm pokenobacon.co.nz

3. Art Attack

Rotating display from the Wallace collection, curated shows (currently Garry Nash, Neon Signs; and The Dust Collective) and work by local artists. Supported by One of the country's most generous art patrons, it deserves more attention. The mid-century building alone is worth a look. Wallace Gallery, 167 Thames St, Morrinsville opens Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm. morrinsvillegallery.org.nz