Mount Tongariro erupted last night, very unexpectedly. My daughter lives about 3 hours away on the North Island coast, and she says her town smells like sulphur. No injuries reported, but all flights are cancelled and ash is everywhere.
There was no warning for this, just some minor quake activity that was not seen as particularly unusual.
Nature once again takes the opportunity to remind us (1) how little we know and (2) how vulnerable we are. The last time Tongariro erupted was 1896. Since my daughter has reserved an inn at the Tongariro National Park for her wedding, I expect the guests may a little nervous!