Brisbane woman Julie Richards, 47, and daughter Jessica, 20, were the first Australians identified as victims of Monday's eruption, so far known to have claimed six lives.

The family learned the devastating news on Wednesday morning after repeated attempts to contact the pair.

"You obviously live in hope that it's not going to be your loved one's name that comes up but the hope was snuffed out this morning with the message from the New Zealand police," family friend John Mickel said.

Passing on a message from the relatives, Mr Mickel said the family had been excited about them going on a cruise to across the Tasman Sea.

He said Jessica was a promising AFL player and studying to be a vet at the University of Queensland.

"In particular they loved the adventure that went with all the outdoor sports," said Mr Mickel, a former Queensland MP.

"If there was an adventure that offered itself they were the ones to do it."

He said the family was united in grief.

"Now we have the festive season, which will be celebrated by so many Queenslanders but for this family it will be one of deep poignancy."

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk posted a tribute to the pair on social media.

"It's with deep sadness we learn of the deaths of Julie and Jessica Richards in the New Zealand volcano tragedy," Ms Palaszczuk said.

"I know members of the family. I know how much Julie and Jessica are loved and how terribly devastating their loss is."

Australian Associated Press