A recovery team has landed on New Zealand’s on Whakaari or White Island to begin an attempt to recover the remains of those who died in Monday’s volcano eruption.

New Zealand Police Deputy Commissioner John Tims said the team landed at around 7am local time.

Ahead of the operation, a blessing for the victims was held at sea with representatives of the families attending.

Police had previously refused to travel to island as experts are warning that it remains highly volatile.

Plumes of steam rise above Whakaari off the coast of Whakatane, New Zealand, 09-12-2019. Image: ABACA/ABACA/PA Images

Volcanologists onboard a ship stationed just off the island will give the team real-time information on the volcano while the mission is underway.

They have already warned that the island remains highly volatile with volcanic activity increasing this week.

A New Zealand Navy helicopter takes off from Whakatane Airport as the mission to return victims of the Whakaari eruption begins, 13-12-2019. Image: AP Photo/Mark Baker

Speaking ahead of the operation Deputy Commissioner Mike Clement said the team would include “people with specialist capabilities from Defence, Police and other agencies.”

“Returning the bodies on the island to their loved ones remains our focus,” he said.

“We have the right people with the right skills and the right equipment.

“We will make every effort to recover all of the bodies however our plan is subject to things beyond our control such as the island and the weather.

“A lot has to go right for us tomorrow to make this work.”

An image of Whakaari after the volcanic eruption, 09-12-2019. Image: Auckland Helicopter Rescue Trust/Handout via Xinhua

The team will be wearing protective clothing and using breathing apparatuses as gases on the island are so toxic and corrosive that a single breath could be fatal.

Police have already pinpointed the location of six bodies and the teams will search for at least two more.