This Cookie Policy explains how Kingsmere Retreat Christchurch uses cookies and similar technologies on our website to enhance your browsing experience and provide our services. By using our website, you consent to the use of cookies as described in this policy. This document should be read in conjunction with our Privacy Policy.
01
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are stored on your computer or mobile device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently, as well as to provide information to the owners of the site. Cookies allow a website to recognize your device and remember certain information about your visit, such as language preferences, items in a cart, or whether you have completed an age-verification step.
They are not programs and cannot carry viruses, install malware, or access the data stored on your device beyond what the cookie itself records. A cookie file is tied to the domain that created it — other sites cannot read it.
02
How We Use Cookies
We use cookies for several purposes, including ensuring the website functions correctly, remembering your preferences (such as your age-verification status), and analyzing how visitors use our site. This helps us to improve the website's performance and provide a more relevant experience for our guests.
As the official site for an 18+ venue and licensed physical premises in New Zealand, we use cookies primarily to operate the site and to maintain compliance with our legal obligations — not to deliver targeted advertising. We do not sell the information collected by cookies to third parties.
03
Types of Cookies We Use
We use both session cookies (which expire when you close your browser) and persistent cookies (which remain on your device for a set period). We also use first-party cookies (set by our website) and third-party cookies (set by our service providers for analytics and site performance).
Session
Temporary files deleted when you close your browser. Used for functions like preserving your place in a booking inquiry form.
Persistent
Remain on your device for a defined period — for example, the 30-day record of your 18+ confirmation.
First-party
Set directly by kingsmereretreat.com. These handle core site functions and your stated preferences.
Third-party
Set by trusted service providers — such as an analytics tool that helps us understand which pages are read most often.
04
Essential Cookies
These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually set in response to actions made by you, such as setting your privacy preferences or filling in forms. You can set your browser to block these cookies, but some parts of the site will then not work — for example, the contact form or the booking inquiry page may fail to submit.
05
Performance and Analytics Cookies
These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. All information collected by these cookies is aggregated and therefore anonymous.
If you prefer not to be counted in this aggregated data, you can opt out using your browser settings or the opt-out mechanism provided by the analytics vendor. Blocking analytics cookies will not prevent you from reading any part of the site, viewing the schedule, or contacting our team.
06
Managing Your Cookie Preferences
Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can choose to block all cookies, accept only certain types, or be notified when a cookie is set. Please note that if you disable cookies, some features of our website may not function as intended — including the persistent 18+ confirmation that keeps the age prompt from reappearing on every page.
Chrome
Settings → Privacy and security → Third-party cookies
Safari
Preferences → Privacy → Manage cookies
Firefox
Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies
Edge
Settings → Cookies and site permissions
Browser manufacturers update their menu paths over time. If the steps above do not match your current version, check the help section of your browser for the most up-to-date guidance.
07
18+ Verification Storage
Specifically for our venue's legal compliance, we use a local storage element to remember your confirmation that you are over 18 years of age. This prevents the age-verification modal from appearing on every page during your visit. This information is stored for a period of 30 days on your local device.
This record is kept on your device only — it is not transmitted to our servers and is not shared with any third party. Clearing your browser data, using private or incognito mode, or switching devices will remove this record and prompt the 18+ notice again on your next visit. The confirmation confirms only that you have stated your age; it does not constitute proof of identity for entry to the physical premises. On-site entry to the gaming hall always requires valid photo ID.
08
Changes to This Policy
We may update our Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology or legislation. Any updates will be posted on this page. We recommend checking back regularly to ensure you are aware of our current practices regarding the use of cookies on our website.
Where a change materially alters how we handle cookies, we will update the "Last reviewed" date shown at the top of this page so you can see at a glance when the policy was last revised.
