Updated 5.16pm: Anti-fracking protesters are making their message heard at a protest in central Auckland this afternoon.

Thousands of environmentalists, campaigners and Maori independence activists are protesting outside a major oil industry summit.

Reporter Michael Sergel says approximately 3000 protesters have taken over Federal Street outside Sky City.

"We've get several hundred people on drums here, just chanting and drumming, and there is no doubt that inside the conference they can hear what's being said out here."

Police monitored the crowd in case activists tried to break in to the conference venue.

"There is security, there are police, there are also protest organisers keeping things under control as well, trying to keep things civil."

Michael Sergel says the protest on Federal Street isn't the only event causing traffic delays.

"We've got parts of Queen St closed off for the triathlon, we've got parts of Britomart closed off for the Cricket World Cup fanzone, and now Federal St is closed."