Immigration NZ inspectors found a high level of compliance during visits to hospitality employers and migrant workers in the Queenstown Lakes, Central Otago and Northern Southland regions this week.
Immigration NZ verification and compliance general manager Stephen Vaughan said its inspectors visited 28 businesses between Tuesday and Thursday.
While he could not say whether any investigations had been launched as a result of the checks, the compliance shown by the businesses and workers was "very pleasing", he said.
The visits were a "proactive education and engagement programme" aimed at ensuring the employers and workers were aware of their rights and legal obligations, as well as checking their compliance with immigration laws.
The agency wanted to help migrant workers who were facing difficult circumstances, but it was obliged under the Immigration Act to ensure they held a valid visa and were meeting its conditions, he said.
"People who are not eligible for another temporary visa should make a plan to depart New Zealand if they can no longer remain here lawfully."
