* 24 Australians were on a tour of White Island, also known as Whakaari, when an active volcano erupted on Monday, spewing smoke, ash and debris thousands of metres into the air.

* The Australians were on a day trip from the Royal Caribbean cruise liner Ovation of the Seas.

* They are aged between 17 and 72 years.

* At least three of those people are now believed to be dead.

* These deaths are still to be confirmed.

* The assumed deaths are part of a total of 11 Australians who are still unaccounted for.

* The remaining 13 Australians who were injured have been taken to multiple hospitals around the town of Whakatane on New Zealand's North Island.

Australian Associated Press