Horticulture New Zealand says the eruption of Mt Tongariro in the country's North Island is unlikely to hit fruit crops, although it is possible some vegetable growers will be affected.

"There certainly haven’t been any effects yet on growers with regards to fruit and vegetables, as it's winter here and there’s not that much fruit out there," Horticulture NZ president Andrew Fenton told www.freshfruitportal.com.

"If the ash moves north though it might affect vegetable growers.

"If it was January, February or March it would be a very different story but right now the plants are dormant and it's not likely to have any impact."

The volcano had been dormant for more than 100 years and erupted at 11:50pm NZT on Aug. 6. GNS Science has issued a volcanic alert level 2 warning, along with an aviation code red.

GNS Science volcanologist Michael Rosenberg told Stuff.co.nz the eruption was a a total surprise.

The Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management has issued a potential threat to New Zealand advisory in Waikato, Hawke's Bay, Gisborne, Manawatu-Whanganui, the Bay of Plenty and Taranaki.

Photo: GNS webcam

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