The Port Taranaki pilot boat was monitoring the situation along with police.

A group of animal activists took their protest against live animal exports to the sea off New Plymouth.

On Saturday morning four protesters could be seen in a small boat inside the Breakwater, opposing the Yangzte Fortune, which was at Port Taranaki to collect about 4000 cows for transportation to China.

The protesters were holding a sign and being watched by the Port Taranaki pilot boat, while maneuvering through small sail boats racing in the water.

STUFF Protesters were on a boat near Port Taranaki on Saturday.

The protest was continuing from Friday, where 40 people were on Ocean View Parade in a demonstration organised by animal welfare advocacy group SAFE.

A Safe spokesperson said he wasn't aware of Saturday's protest and it had nothing to do with the organisation.

A police media spokesperson said police were aware of the protesting and continued to monitor the situation, while acknowledging those taking part had a right to protest.

The Yangtze Fortune left Port Taranaki at 3.30pm on Saturday bound for Tianjin, China.

The animals will be used in farming and breeding.