GeoNet is recording "bursts of volcanic tremor" and an increase in the amount of gas passing through Mount Ruapehu's crater lake as it heats to 43 degrees Celsius.
The volcanic alert level has been raised to Level 2, meaning moderate to heightened volcanic unrest. Level 3 would be a minor eruption, 4 a moderate eruption and 5 a major eruption.
The volcanic alert level for the mountain has been raised to level two.
The aviation colour code has changed to yellow.
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Mount Ruapehu is an active volcano and has the potential to erupt with little or no warning when in a state of volcanic unrest, according to GeoNet.
GNS Science and the National Geohazards Monitoring Centre are closely monitoring Mount Ruapehu for further signs of activity via a network of seismic and acoustic sensors, GPS receivers, sensors in the lake and visits to the lake area and gas flights.
Experts say an eruption doesn’t seem imminent but it’s a timely reminder to check warning plans are in place.
"Since 2007, Crater Lake (Te Wai ā-moe) temperature has exceeded 40 degrees a number of times, without leading to an eruption. However, the combination of the increased lake temperature, volcanic tremor and gas output have motivated the Alert Level change," GeoNet said in a statement.
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