A 'severe' earthquake has struck near White Island this morning.

According to GeoNet, the quake hit just after 8.30am at a depth of 30km - 110km north of White Island.

It was recorded as being of 'intense severity'.

GeoNet images of White Island's crater floor this morning did not appear to show an eruption on the volcano.

The GeoNet website said White Island's most recent eruptive episode began in August 2012.

The episode started with an explosive eruption on August 5 followed by ash emissions and heating in the crater lake.

The eruptions removed the crater lake in early 2013 but it had returned by June.

GeoNet said more explosive eruptions followed on August 20, 2013 and October 11, 2013. The unrest is continuing.

Volcanologist Brad Scott says while they show up on Geonet's website as being near White Island, it doesn't point to any increased volcanic activity there.

He says they appear to be normal, tectonic quakes unconnected to White Island or any of the submarine volcanoes off the coast.