19-year-old Jake Milbank, a White Island tour guide, has been seen for the first time since the volcano erupted on December 9.

He was leading a group of tourists around the volcano when it erupted, with the blast claiming the lives of 21 people.

Milbank suffered burns to 80 percent of his body, but is now enjoying spending time with his family and his beloved family pet.

He was allowed to leave the hospital for the first time on March 1 and it was the first time he had been outside in three months.

“After more than three long months in hospital things are finally starting to look up as my medical team have cleared me for day leave,” he wrote in an Instagram update.

“The first thing on my list was to go and see this little cutie who hasn't seen me in a whopping 1.8 dog years.

“Such an awesome feeling to be back out in the real world breathing in some fresh air.”

Milbank also updated his Give a Little page, explaining that he had been able to spend the day celebrating his aunt’s birthday.

“I am now fully grafted which means my physio regime has been getting more and more intense as my skin grafts heal,” the Give A Little update said. 

“From walking on the treadmill to pumping iron we are seeing improvements every day.

“I am finally beginning to gain weight and have put on three kilograms in the last three weeks.”

Friends and family of Milbank have been making the eight-hour round trip to the hospital to visit, including colleagues from White Island tours.

“Words can't even express how amazing my family have been, they have been so supportive, keeping me company and bringing me home cooked meals, I can't thank them enough,” he said.