Immediate threat of Tongariro is over

Police have pulled search and rescue teams off Mount Tongariro.

The mountain erupted late last night, spewing rocks and ash to the north and east.

Department of Conservation area manager Nic Peet says a search and rescue effort has finished in the huts and tracks around the mountain.

"Nobody has been found injured or deceased as a result of that, so that operation has now been completed."

He one of the four huts on the mountain, Ketetahi, has received significant damage as a result of the eruption.

"The hut itself has holes through the roof, the floor and the bunks inside it."

Mr Peet says boulders of up to a metre wide have landed on the track into the hut and caused impact craters.

Tongariro Alpine Crossing Track and all four huts remain closed for public safety reasons.

The latest assessment from GNS Science says the eruption activity has subsided and the volcano is producing no more ash.

But it says it is too early to predict the next series of events and there is likely to be heightened activity for several weeks. 

Air New Zealand says services are recommencing to Gisborne, Rotorua, Taupo and Palmerston North.

But flights to and from Napier are still subject to delays and cancellations.

The cloud is forecast to clear tonight, provided there is no further activity from the mountain.

Canterbury University Geological Sciences lecturer Doctor Tom Wilson says there's no indication whether the volcano will erupt again or simply die down.

"We don't know what that is going to be but this is a really good opportunity to think about how we can all be prepared for volcanic eruptions particularly those areas which are close to the volcanoes and exposed to ash fall hazards."

Prime Minister John Key says it is the first activity on the mountain since the 90s so it is a case of watching to see whether it develops.

Mr Key says if more significant risks are posed then the state agencies will make sure that everyone's notified of it.

He has no plans to get close to Mount Tongariro any time soon to check out the situation.

John Key says we have had our fair share of natural disasters in recent times, with earthquakes and now a volcanic eruption.

"My officials are continuing to update me and Civil Defence continue to monitor the situation but I don't think there is any particular reason for me to go there at the moment."

The Waikato Civil Defence Emergency Management Group is keeping a close eye on the situation at Mount Tongariro in case volcanic activity escalates.

Group staff have been in talks with agencies such as police and the district health board to review the situation.

Group controller Scott Fowlds says while the situation is calm at the moment, the group is on stand by and ready to help if its services are required.

He urges the public to stay up to date with the latest information, and to avoid any unnecessary travel in the area.

The eruption of Mount Tongariro is serving as a reminder for people in volcanic areas to always be prepared.

The eruption has spurred on local residents to replenish their emergency kits.

Adrift Outdoors operator Stewart Barclay says they have checked their emergency supplies in case worse comes to worst.

"We've got our water barrels filled up and food supplies stocked up so that we can sit around inside the house with the dust hopefully not too strong building up."

He says locals are hoping things don't get worse as it could severely affect business, although he admits there is an element of excitement.

"We're not too sure whether that was the event or is that going to in fact be the precursor to some other fantastic fireworks displays, so there's excitement."

Photo: NZ Herald