Environment Canterbury has put an exclusion zone in place around the site of a capsized tourist boat, from which more than 40 people were evacuated

The Black Cat Cruise vessel grounded just outside the Akaroa Heads at about 12.20 this afternoon, with 38 passengers and three crew on board.

Everyone was taken ashore safely by other boats, and there are no reports of injuries.

A regional council spokesperson says they're monitoring the situation to minimise the impact of fuel and debris on the environment.

ECAN says all vessels must stay clear of the exclusion zone; they don't yet know how much fuel was on-bard.