This eruption which lasted from 1909-1910 was reported on as follows:
" NGAURUHOE VOLCANO. A MAGNIFICENT SIGHT. A RAIN OF ASHES.
A tremendous eruption of Ngauruhoe took place yesterday, and was witnessed with great interest and not a little fear by passengers and tourists on the overland route by coach from Waiouru to Tokaanu. Shortly after leaving Waiouru the passengers saw a small column of smoke issuing from the crater, which was nothing unusual for "It is always smoking a little". However, when they got close to the mountain about 11am a huge black column mixed with steam and ashes shot skywards, rolling over and over till it reached a height of about 3,000 feet above the crater. Soon the already smoky sky was blackened with falling ash. Now and again another huge outburst would take place with an audible roar, scattering hovering clouds into most fantastic shapes, and drifting away to the south-east, driven by a light north-westerly wind, and leaving a black train of ashes like falling rain from the high elevation of the volcanic cloud, which was ever increasing in size till it obscured the whole southern sky in one black pall. The coach pulled up on an eminence, and the tourists had a grand view as the volcano was only about five miles away. Some of the visitors who had seen Stromboli and Vesuvius in action say that Ngauruhoe is superior in effect to those famous volcanoes. The day was perfect for observation and they were greatly pleased at the majestic and sublime grandeur of the eruption. The falling ash was turning the " pure white snow of Ruapehu into a dingy dark colour and if the eruption lasts it will cover all the snow on Ruapehu. The hot springs on Tongariro and at Tokaanu do not exhibit any unusual signs of activity. About 4 a.m. the occupants of the Half-way House were awakened by a heavy rumbling and explosions, and at 11 o'clock, when the upheaval occurred, the western side of the crater seemed to be blown clean away, so that side is now much lower than formerly. Old residents of the district say that the present outburst is the finest seen for years, even including the big outbreak in 1869, when lava streams poured down the western side. A splendid view of the eruption is now obtained from Taupo across the lake, and passengers by coach have a fine close view as they pass round the base of the volcano."
- The Sydney Morning Herald, 11 March 1909, page 7