Mount Tongariro exploded into life — the first eruption by this rock behemoth in 115 years. u00a0Although the incident was ranked as a hydrothermal eruption — meaning that it was fuelled by trapped steam rather than magma — it was sufficiently powerful to send an ash cloud five miles into the atmosphere.

Dust and debris: Nearby trees and cars were covered with the volcanic ash after Mount Tongariro exploded after 115 years. Pic/AFP