Officials are looking at reopening tracks which have been closed since the mountain's eruption.

Tongariro erupted late on August 6, throwing out rock, ash and steam. It was the first time since 1897 that it had erupted.

Only hours after Judy Bailey completed the Tongariro Crossing, the volcano awoke from its century-long slumber...

Scientists, wary of another eruption, have managed to move as close to Mr Tongariro as is safely possible since Monday night's unexpected blast.

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.

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.

WeatherWatch.co.nz says today's wind map shows building north to north west winds which should keep the ash around less populated parts of NZ.

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

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

Actor and avid runner, Anna Hutchison, shares her happy place with us.

Lonely Planet has named Tongariro National Park as one of the world's best parks and preserves in a list that includes the Grand Canyon and Iguazu Falls National Park in South America.