A Christchurch City Councillor thinks it's crazy the government has offered up the Canterbury basin for oil exploration.

Energy and Resources Minister Judith Collins made the announcement yesterday offering up areas in Northland, Taranaki, Hawke's Bay and Canterbury.

Councillor Vicki Buck said the council has made it clear it opposes it, in repeated submissions to the government.

She said to drill in the Canterbury basin area is dangerous.

"This is very deep sea oil drilling, so the risks associated with it are horrific, and the country does not have any capacity to deal with an oil spill."

Buck said they have fought against drilling in the basin for a long time.

"I think it's completely crazy, and the council has made its opposition to it very, very clear."