A first responder to the volcanic eruption in New Zealand has described his experience arriving on the island.

Eight people have been named as victims after the White Island volcano erupted on Monday.

Of the 47 people who were on the island at the time, 24 were Australians – aged between 17 and 72 – travelling on the Ovation of the Seas cruise ship.

White Island first responder pilot Russell Clarke tells Luke Grant it was a “daunting” experience.

“It’s quite a shock because you just don’t think it.

“The first thing I saw was just a blanket of ash. It was quite an overwhelming thing to be faced with.

“We didn’t know what we were getting ourselves in for.”

Click PLAY below to hear the full interview

Image: Getty