Interest in the Tongariro Alpine Crossing has gone "through the roof" since Mount Tongariro erupted on Monday night.

Locals have criticised the response to last night's Tongariro eruption as too slow but authorities have defended their procedures, saying they quickly established there was no immediate risk and put plans in place.

Rotoaira local David Bennett was concerned by the lack of communication between the authorities and National Park residents when Mt Tongariro erupted about 4km from his home last night.

The aviation colour code around Mt Tongariro has been downgraded from red to orange, but the volcanic alert level remains at 2.

Eruption activity has subsided but another eruption could occur at any time with little or no warning, according to Civil Defence. Read the latest.

Mt Tongariro is one of three major volcanos in the central North Island, sitting alongside mounts Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe.

Mt Tongariro erupted for the first time in over a century at 11.50pm on August 6, 2012, raining ash onto many Central North Island roads and homes.

News of Tongariro's eruption sparked a flurry of activity by Kiwis who have been awake into the early morning.

New Zealand's landscape is home to many active and dormant volcanoes.

Joanna Mathers finds plenty to keep her happy away from the slopes.

Hard times haven't deterred auction-goers from putting up their hands to buy art, reports Lesley Springall

The mother of a mountaineer who lost a leg during a lahar eruption on Mt Ruapehu has spoken of her pride at his brave attempt to return to the summit today.

Around fifty thousand people are expected at Ohakea today, for the Air Force's 75th birthday.

Tame Iti and his colleagues weren't the only ones on trial for the past five weeks. The terrorism claims in the still-unresolved Urewera case have revealed deep divisions over Maori and Pakeha

He may not have reached the peak of Mt Ruapehu but Winston Aldworth had fun trying.

A man who punched his partner numerous times in the face after she caught him seemingly...