Watch: Jacinda Ardern speaks to media about White Island volcanic eruption

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says authorities now are focusing on a recovery operation following Monday's eruption on White Island.

Five people have been confirmed dead, while eight people remain unaccounted for.

Ardern confirmed New Zealanders were among those missing or injured as well as tourists from Australia, the US, the UK, China and Malaysia.

"To those who have lost or are missing family and friends, we share in your unfathomable grief at this moment in time and in your sorrow," Ardern said on Tuesday. 

"Your loved ones stood beside Kiwis who were hosting you here and we grieve with you and we grieve with them. To our Australian family, especially, we'll do everything we can to support you as you have supported us.

"For now, obviously, our duty is to return loved ones," she said. "Obviously there is much more work there to be done."