Sulphur smell from Mt Tongariro reaches Wellington

The strong smell of sulphur has drifted into Wellington this morning.

Northerly winds have sent gas from the Tongariro eruption down the North Island, with people across the capital reporting the stench.

"I'm in Upper Hutt and I've been walking around this morning thinking I'd had something on the bottom of my gumboots but it's definitely smelly in Upper Hutt as well."

Meanwhile GNS Volcanologist Craig Miller says the volcano is still producing gases, which are travelling South.

"There's certainly steam coming out and we're hoping to determine what other gases are coming out later today by taking some gas measurements in the atmosphere around the volcano."

Mr Miller says the smell will stick around as long the wind blows it down the island, but it could travel elsewhere if the wind changes.

Meanwhile, Department of Conservation staff will be turning away any eager trampers who think they'd like to enter the Tongariro area.

The alpine crossing, northern circuit great walk and four huts have been closed following Monday night's eruption.

DOC area manager for Ruapehu Nic Peet says they're at the key entrances.

"So where people would access the Tongariro Crossing or would access the Northern Circuit Great Walk, we've got staff on all of those road ends to advise the public that the facilities are closed."

Mr Peet says they're working with GNS Science to establish the risk at DOC facilities if there are further eruptions.

Photo: Supplied