Tourists were forced to flee and Air New Zealand cancelled flights after volcano eruption on the country’s North Island which sent ash spewing 2km into the air.
The eruption at the Te Maari crater on Mount Tongariro is the second of its kind since August in an area that has been dormant for 100 years.
A national advisory was issued saying regions from Waikato down to Hawke’s Bay could be affected by ash cloud.
“Minor volcanic activity is occurring at Tongariro – Te Maari craters and could be hazardous in the immediate vicinity of the craters,” it said.
“Light volcanic ash fall can be anticipated downwind of Tongariro and may impact the following areas or regions: Waikato; Hawkes Bay; Gisborne and Bay of Plenty.”
New Zealand Conservation Department area manager Jonathan Maxwell told the Sydney Morning Herald that 30 to 50 people were being evacuated from a footpath on the mountain and no injuries had been reported.
State highways in the area were closed and Air New Zealand flights between Taupo and Wellington cancelled due to the volcanic activity.
Passengers were being advised to check the airline’s website for flight arrivals and departure information which would be constantly updated.