Amazing pictures emerge of new volcanic island in Tonga

These are the first stunning pictures of a newly formed volcanic island in Tonga.

The island, which is yet to be named, was formed in January by a volcanic eruption, but was deemed too dangerous to visit until recently because it is still considered to be active.

New Island Off Tonga Formed by Underwater Volcano

The incredible images were taken by photographer Gianpiero Orbassano, 63, who travelled to the island by boat with his friend Branko Sugar to snap some pictures of the 250-metre-high volcanic isle.

Situated between two existing small islands – Hunga Tonga and Hunga Ha'apai – about 40 miles from Tonga's capital, Nuku'alofa, it took him two hours to reach the island by boat.

He told Caters News: "The eruption took place a couple of months ago, but was only until a couple of weeks ago it became possible to go closer.

"The volcano is still active so there is a chance it could erupt at any moment.

"The volcano is about 250 metres high, so there's the chance it could stay on surface forever; usually this kind of island disappears after a while you see.

"After reaching the island by boat, taking the pictures was not so difficult, but the problem was the condition of the land, which made worse by black lava and temperatures of 35C, was extremely hot.

"It was not so easy to get on top of the volcano too; the surface of the soil was very fragile and slippery.

"The day was absolutely amazing though, the island will be a great attraction for tourists, reaching the top is really something."