The volcanic alert on Whakaaro - White Island in the Eastern Bay of Plenty - has been raised due to increased activity.
Whakaari / White Island Photo: Supplied / Geonet
The alert level is now at two, which means moderate to heightened volcanic unrest.
GNS volcanologist Michael Rosenburg said over the past few weeks there had been an increase of sulphur gas from deep inside the volcano and an increase in tremors.
He said the changes may or may not be a signal that something is happening.
"White Island volcano is really complicated and just because one thing changes, it doesn't necessarily mean that everything else will change and it doesn't necessarily mean that this is going to lead to an eruption."
Dr Rosenburg said tour groups can still visit the island.