Vegan travel blogger sobs at sight of sheep on NZ ferry

A vegan travel blogger has broken down in tears after discovering a ferry packed with sheep for live export while on holiday in New Zealand.

American Kristin Lajeunesse was travelling on the inter-island ferry between Picton and Wellington earlier this month while documenting her travels when confronted by the sight.

"I came to the back of the boat because I thought it would be, you know, beautiful," Ms Lajeunesse said in video of her reaction.

"I kept asking myself why I was smelling animal faeces and this is why," she said, as the vision pans to the sheep crammed into live export containers.

"I'm so sorry," she said, through sobs.

Despite Ms Lajeunesse's shock, many were quick to point out that sheep on the ferry is a daily reality for those who live in agriculturally rich regions.

"New Zealand is based on an agriculture industry. It's how this country was developed and how it continues to grow. This is part of how we make our money. Our families survive off of these well looked after lambs," Chris Pemberton wrote in reply to Ms Lajeunesse’s Facebook video.

"They are sheep on a purpose built sheep truck, what is wrong with that? How else do you think they get to the north island? Just walk on and sit in a seat?" Devon Payne added.