The number of people unaccounted for following the eruption on White Island is said to be in double figures - but officials have said they do not believe any of them survived.
Approximately 50 people, New Zealanders and foreign tourists among them, were feared to have been nearby when the eruption happened at 2.11pm local time on Monday
Several people were seen near the rim of the crater in the minutes before the sudden eruption.
A total of 23 people were rescued - including the five who died - and some of those transferred to hospital have "severe" burns.
The rescue operation was later suspended because it was too dangerous to search the area.
Police in New Zealand said several aerial reconnaissance flights had shown "no signs of life" - and it is believed that anyone who could have been taken from the island alive was rescued at the time of the evacuation.
A spokesperson said: "Police is working urgently to confirm the exact number of those who have died, further to the five confirmed deceased already."
Drones and observational equipment are going to be deployed first thing on Tuesday morning "to further assess the environment".
Some of those involved are believed to be from Ovation of the Seas, a Royal Caribbean International cruise ship.
Officers are hoping to locate the people who are unaccounted for through the cruise ship's passenger list. So far, there has been no contact with any of those who were missing.
There will be questions asked as to why tourists were still able to visit the island after scientists recently noticed an uptick in volcanic activity.
A helicopter on the ground, damaged from the ash cloud.
