Air New Zealand has been forced to cancel flights following a volcanic eruption on the North Island.

Mount Tongaririo erupted earlier, spewing a cloud of ash into the atmosphere and making flying unsafe.

Flights between Taupo and Wellington were subsequently cancelled.

The British Foreign & Commonwealth Office has warned travellers to check for flight delays or cancellations.

Those travelling to the Central Plateau Region of New Zealand are also advised to check conditions with local authorities.

The volcano, erupting for the second time this year, also forced the evacuation of several groups of hikers from the Tongariro Track around its base.

There were no reports of injuries.