Incredible moment rescuers charge INTO the White Island volcano: Chopper footage shows the horror aftermath of the eruption as brave first responders land to save survivors

It starts as a daunting white cloud hanging in the distance - and it doesn't take long for the enormity of the White Island volcano blast to become clear. 

Footage shows what courageous helicopter rescuers went through as they battled their way through thick clouds of smoke, ash and acidic steam following the eruption on Monday.  

The death toll is feared to be as high as 13 after the volcano, known locally as Whakaari, blew off the coast of New Zealand's North Island at 2.11pm local time.

Footage released by the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust shows two brave first responders landing on the island and shielding their eyes from billowing ash. 

Helicopter lands on White Island during aftermath of the eruption

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Footage and pictures have emerged showing what 'courageous' rescuers saw as they charged toward the eruption on Monday afternoon

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Rescuers shield their faces as the helicopter that dropped them off lifts off, kicking up an incredible amount of dust

Authorities have so far confirmed the deaths of five people, but many more survived thanks to the efforts of helicopters rescuers, officials said. 

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern hailed the crews of the four choppers that tried to get survivors to safety for their herosim on Tuesday morning. 

Ms Ardern said a Westpac Rescue chopper, a Volcanic Air helicopter and two privately-owned helicopters - flew to the island to try and save lives. 

'As a result of their efforts, a number of people were rescued from the island,' Ms Ardern said on Tuesday morning, describing the first responders as 'courageous'.  

Rescuer vision shows the Westpac chopper approaching the volcanic isle. A daunting cloud of smoke looms above while the ground is caked in a thick layer of ash.  

A large building is seen utterly destroyed and soon two rescuers themselves are soon seen on the ground preparing. 

The pair kneel and shield their faces as the chopper whips up a dust squall and takes off again. 

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The island's bay is caked with a thick layer of ash - a separate rescue helicopter having already landed on the shores

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The Westpac squadron launches for White Island on Monday in the wake of the blast, about 2.11pm

Authorities said 47 tourists from Australia, the UK, the US, Malaysia and China were on White Island at the time.  

The majority - 38 people - were tourists from the cruiseliner, Ovation of the Seas. 

34 people made it off the island by helicopter or boat, all with injuries of various descriptions, most often burns. 

Thirty-one are still in hospital and three have been discharged. Paramedics were traumatised by the horrific injuries they had seen with some victims suffering burns to 90 per cent of their bodies.

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More rescuers are seen trying to save the 47 people who were on the island at the time of the terrible blast

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said 24 of those caught up in the blast were that country's nationals, aged between 17 and 72. 

Eight Australians are still missing and thirteen are being treated in hospital with injuries including severe burns. 

Mr Morrison said: 'I fear there is worse news to come over the course of perhaps today or over the next few days.' 

Only one of the dead has been named as of midday New Zealand time - Kiwi tour guide Hayden Marshall-Inman. Fellow tour guide Tipene Maangi, 24, is also missing. 

His grandmother was desperately waiting for news this morning and said he loved his job.