15 Jan 2013

Tongariro still lively months after eruptions

8:36 am on 15 January 2013

Mount Tongariro remains active five months after the last eruptions.

The Te Maari craters are still emitting steam and volcanic gas, creating a plume which has been a continuous feature of the mountain since eruptions in August.

Volcanologists will soon be taking measurements of the emissions and comparing them to those taken at the end of December.

GNS head volcanologist Gill Jolly says gas and steam emissions may continue for several years and eruptions could occur with little or no warning.