Volcano Erupts In New Zealand But No Major Disruption

(Newsroom America) -- An eruption occurred at Mr Tongariro in the central North Island of New Zealand at approximately 11:50 pm Monday local time, spewing ash and rocks into the air.

Reports said there were no injuries and at this stage the nation's main airline Air New Zealand said all flights were operating normally.

Witnesses reported seeing ash and red hot rocks being thrown into the air.

Tongariro is a massive complex of volcanic cones and craters formed by eruptions from at least 12 vents over more than 275,000 years, according to GNS Science in New Zealand.

Erosion during the last Ice Age has worn away what was once a substantial mountain into the world famous hiking destination that it is today. The complex includes Ngauruhoe volcano.

Within the landscape of ash, lava flows and erosion features, Tongariro has mineral springs and fumaroles (steam vents) at Ketetahi Springs, the Red Crater and Te Mari craters.

The eruption reportedly happened at the Te Mari craters.

These are part of New Zealand’s highest geothermal system which underlies parts of the volcano.

The Red and Te Mari craters were last active in the 1800’s.

New Zealand's last major volcanic eruption was Mt Ruapehu in 1995 and 1996.