A driver crashed into another car at the entrance of the Canterbury Rodeo on Mandeville Road, Mandeville, North Canterbury.

A driver who crashed into a stationary car outside a rodeo admits she was flipping the bird at protesters immediately before impact.

About 50 protesters were gathered outside the Canterbury Rodeo at Mandeville in North Canterbury on Saturday with placards saying the sport was cruel to animals.

Driver Olivia Stewart initially said she was distracted by the protest signs when she crashed. However, an image later surfaced online of her gesturing at the group on the roadside.

Supplied This image has been circulating online, which appears to show driver Olivia Stewart pulling the finger at rodeo protesters before she crashed into a stationary car.

"Yes, I did pull my finger. I had my hand up to them, and then as I turned to face the front I hit the car in front of me," she told Stuff on Sunday.

"It wasn't mature and I'm embarrassed by it now."

STACY SQUIRES/STUFF Moments after a car ran into the back of a stationary vehicle outside the Canterbury Rodeo on Saturday morning.

Stewart said although she was at fault, she had been the recipient of online bullying that was unwarranted.

"The protesters are now posting my personal details online and contacting my workplace, which is taking things way too far," she said.

"I think they've lost sight of the actual protest itself and are just being mean now."

STACY SQUIRES/STUFF Stewart says although she was at fault, she has been the recipient of online bullying that is unwarranted.

Protest organiser Will Appelbe, of Safe NZ, said he did not condone bullying of any kind and was not aware Stewart had been targeted.

Stewart said the distraction the protesters caused was "not OK".

"I'm a vet nurse ... I'm all for animal safety, but I'm also for human safety."

STACY SQUIRES/STUFF Protesters from Safe NZ gathered outside the rodeo in North Canterbury on Saturday morning.

﻿

She collided with the back of a car waiting to turn off for the rodeo at about 10.40am. The second car was being driven by Trish Moore, who had two children on board.

Appelbe said he was just glad no-one was seriously injured.

STACY SQUIRES/STUFF Will Appelbe, of SAFE NZ, believes rodeo is cruel to animals.

"We would like to see Canterbury Rodeo put a better traffic management plan in place, as they knew we were going to be there and they need to ensure the safety of everyone attending."

Canterbury Rodeo Association president Jono Reed said on Saturday he had no details about the crash. He was not concerned about the protest.

"It is their opinion and they are expressing it. I don't personally agree. We have practices in place to make sure the animals are fit and well."

STACY SQUIRES/STUFF Trish Moore is consoled after her car was struck outside the event.

Police have not laid charges over the crash.