A volcano has erupted on New Zealand's North Island, spreading a layer of thick ash and forcing some nearby residents to leave their homes.
Scientists said they had noticed increased seismic activity below Mount Tongariro for weeks.
No specific warning was given before it erupted late last night.
The eruption of ash and rocks lasted about 30 minutes.
It did not cause any injuries or damage in the sparsely populated central North Island region, which is a designated national park.
The park is a popular tourist destination and formed the backdrop for many scenes in the "Lord of the Rings" films.
The eruption did prompt some nearby residents to leave their homes as a precautionary measure, and caused authorities to temporarily close roads.
Residents were urged to remain calm and to check their water supplies to ensure they are not contaminated.
National carrier Air New Zealand cancelled or delayed domestic flights to towns near the mountain. No international flights were affected.
Police said a witness described flashes and explosions followed by a cloud of ash coming from a hole in the north face of the mountain.
Volcanologist Brad Scott said the eruption occurred after recent activity at the volcano.
"This eruption has come on top of three or four weeks of unrest at the volcano. We've had volcanic earthquakes occurring at Tongariro in the Te Mari area. They've been sort of persistent there," Mr Scott told reporters at a briefing in the town of Taupo.
New Zealand is part of the Pacific's "Ring of Fire" and has frequent geothermal and seismic activity.
However, the last verified eruption of Mount Tongariro occurred in 1897, marking the end of a decade of volcanic activity.
Volcanologists said it was too early to determine whether the latest eruption was the start of a renewed cycle of activity.
