NZ volcano Mt Tongariro erupts

A massive cloud of ash rises from Mt Tongariro, on New Zealand's North Island, after its eruption.

NEW Zealand's Mount Tongariro volcano in the central North Island has erupted, sending a black plume of ash up to 2km into the air and forcing hundreds of hikers to be evacuated.

Hundreds of tourists - including 90 schoolchildren from Napier - were on the mountain when Tongariro erupted around 1.20pm local time.

Police are warning sightseers to stay away from the area in case of further volcanic activity.

The official GNS Science monitoring service issued a potential threat alert after the eruption at the volcano, which was the location for parts of The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

The volcano became active in August this year after lying dormant for more than a century.