Beginning this Sunday July 29 through to September 9, beside the fireplace at Taupo's Hilton Hotel, author Paul Thomas launches the Great Lake Tales winter series, part of the Lake Taupo Erupt Events' portfolio.

Following its inaugural success in 2011, Great Lake Tales is extended from a four to seven-week programme and includes some of New Zealand's best-known and not so well known writers, photographers and entertainers.

"It's a great reason to come out in the winter gloom, snuggle in front of the fire, enjoy a glass of wine some canap�s and listen to the truly eclectic line-up we've engaged," says Kylie Hawker, Erupt Events General Manager.

"Locals have been looking forward to these Sunday afternoon events for a while, it's a chance to listen to New Zealand's finest literary stars talk about their lives and work.

"Now, with Grabit deals visitors can get a bargain and enjoy the event as well," she says.

The series includes:

29 July - Paul Thomas

30 July - Paul Thomas Morning tea at Taupo Library - Free

5 Aug - Kate de Goldi

12 Aug - Charity Norman

18 Aug - The Other Story - Artists Talk @ Taupo Museum - Free

19 Aug - Graham Beattie

20 Aug - Steve Gurney (After 5 style event delivered in conjunction with Chamber of Commerce)

26 Aug - Raybon Kan

2 Sep - Cameron Petley (Masterchef)

9 Sep - Nicky Pellegrino

Tickets can be purchased separately for each event and are on sale at Prices Bookshop, Tongariro Street, Taupo or from www.eruptevents.co.nz. A season pass for all events is also available.