A new crater has been found on the active White Island volcano in the Bay of Plenty following an eruption earlier this week.

Photo: GeoNet

GNS says volcanic unrest continues at White Island - or Whakaari - after the eruption on Wednesday night.

It said the discovery of a new crater and gas output was found after an aerial inspection yesterday.

There was no indication that activity was increasing or decreasing due to the new crater, and the volcanic alert remained at two.

Gas output was slightly elevated but GNS said it would not have a major impact on the long-term output.

It was likely the eruption was driven by steam and gas and there has been little to no lava due to the eruption.