Privacy Policy

GuideNow is a tourism guidance platform operated from Queenstown, New Zealand. Our website is guidenow.nz. For privacy enquiries, contact us at privacy@guidenow.nz.

We collect only what we need to provide the service:

• ·Session data: A random session ID stored in your browser (localStorage). This is anonymous — we do not link it to your name or email.
• ·Messages: The messages you send to our AI guide, stored temporarily to maintain conversation context. Stored for up to 24 hours.
• ·IP address (hashed): Used solely for abuse prevention and rate limiting. We store a one-way hash — we cannot recover your real IP from what we store.
• ·Geo-country: The country code from your network connection, used to direct you to the right regional experience. Not stored beyond the request.
• ·Deal interactions: Which deals you clicked (deal ID, timestamp, session ID). Used to report anonymised click-through counts to operators.
• ·Payment data: If you upgrade to a Pro session, payment is processed entirely by Stripe. We receive only a Stripe session ID and payment status — no card details ever reach our servers.
• ·Waitlist email: If you submit your email on the coming-soon page, we store it to notify you when GuideNow expands to your area.
• ·Partner enquiry data: Business name, contact email, booking setup details submitted via the partner form.
• ·Analytics data: Aggregate usage data via Google Analytics (pages visited, approximate location, device and browser type). Collected through Google's cookies — see section 7 for details and how to opt out.

We use the information we collect to:

• ✓Provide and improve the AI guide experience
• ✓Prevent abuse, spam, and bot activity
• ✓Verify Stripe payments and unlock Pro sessions
• ✓Send anonymised click-through data to partner operators
• ✓Understand aggregate site usage via Google Analytics
• ✓Email you when GuideNow expands (waitlist only, with your consent)
• ✓Respond to partner enquiries

We do not sell your data. We do not use it for advertising profiling.

We use the following sub-processors:

Data transferred to the USA is protected under Anthropic, Stripe, Vercel, and Supabase's standard contractual clauses and privacy frameworks.

• ·Session data and messages: deleted after 24 hours of inactivity
• ·IP hashes for rate limiting: deleted after 24 hours
• ·Deal click logs: retained for up to 12 months for operator reporting
• ·Waitlist emails: retained until you unsubscribe or we expand to your region
• ·Partner enquiry data: retained for up to 2 years

Under the Privacy Act 2020 you have the right to:

• ·Access the personal information we hold about you
• ·Request correction of inaccurate information
• ·Request deletion of your data (subject to legal retention requirements)
• ·Make a complaint to the New Zealand Privacy Commissioner (privacy.org.nz)

To exercise any of these rights, email privacy@guidenow.nz. We will respond within 20 working days.

We use browser localStorage to store your anonymous session ID, so your conversation persists if you close and reopen the page. This is never linked to your identity.

We also use Google Analytics to understand how the site is used in aggregate. Google Analytics sets cookies (such as _ga) in your browser. You can opt out at any time by blocking cookies for this site in your browser settings, or by installing Google's Analytics opt-out browser add-on. The site works fully without analytics cookies.

See our Cookie Policy for the full list.

GuideNow is not directed at children under 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 16. If you believe a child has provided us data, please contact us and we will delete it promptly.

We may update this policy from time to time. Material changes will be notified via a banner on the website. Continued use after the effective date constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

Privacy Officer · GuideNow · Queenstown, New Zealand
Email: privacy@guidenow.nz