Learn how to Massage the People You Love
Most of us have someone we wish we could help.
A partner with tight shoulders. A daughter with a headache. A son with sore muscles after sport. A parent living with ongoing aches and pains. A friend going through a stressful time. Or perhaps someone who simply deserves an hour to completely relax.
This course will give you the skills to help them feel better.
Imagine the quiet satisfaction of knowing you can help someone you love feel more comfortable. Feeling tense shoulders soften beneath your hands. Seeing someone take a deep breath, smile, and say, “That feels so much better.”
Massage is one of the simplest and most meaningful ways we can care for the people we love, and it’s a skill you’ll continue to enjoy sharing for years to come.
Over one enjoyable weekend I’ll guide you step by step, teaching you simple, practical massage techniques in a relaxed, supportive environment. You don’t need any previous experience—just a willingness to learn.
By Sunday afternoon you’ll be surprised by what you’ve achieved and leave with a skill you’ll enjoy using for many years.
During this practical two-day weekend you’ll learn to:
- Give a relaxing massage with confidence.
- Help relieve common neck, shoulder and back tension.
- Use safe, effective massage techniques.
- Massage family and friends with confidence.
Course Details
📅 Saturday 26 & Sunday 27 July 2026
📍 Tahunanui, Nelson
👥 Small group (maximum 6 participants)
💲 Early Bird: $300 (save $50 before 15 July), Standard Price: $350
✔ No previous experience required
What My Students Say
“A fantastic learning opportunity. I came away with sound practical skills and the confidence to give a relaxing massage. I can’t wait for the next class!” — Margie
“This is a very practical, hands-on course. It felt almost like a weekend retreat, and I learnt how to confidently massage friends and family in a relaxed environment.” — Debby
“Elayne’s years of experience really shone through. She explained everything clearly, made me feel comfortable, and I learnt so much.” — SJC
I came to support a family member and, to my surprise, I became a massage enthusiast! I couldn’t wait to get home and start practising.” — Course Participant
“A wonderful way to spend a weekend meeting new people and learning a new skill. Elayne is warm, professional and encouraging. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute.” — LK
A Relaxed Weekend of Learning
You’ll be learning in a small, friendly group where there’s plenty of time to ask questions, practise, and receive individual guidance. Most people arrive not knowing anyone else, and by the end of the weekend they’re laughing together, sharing massage, and feeling confident using their new skills at home.
After more than 25 years as a massage therapist, one of my greatest pleasures is introducing complete beginners to massage and watching their confidence grow.
There’s something deeply satisfying about learning with your own hands. As the weekend unfolds you’ll practise new techniques, gain confidence, share plenty of laughs with the other students, and realise that giving a beautiful, relaxing massage isn’t nearly as difficult as you first imagined.
One of my favourite moments comes towards the end of the weekend.
Someone who arrived saying, “I’ve never given a massage before,” is now confidently giving a flowing, relaxing massage and suddenly realises…
“I can actually do this.”
By Sunday afternoon you’ll leave with a practical new skill, the confidence to use it, and the knowledge that you’ll be able to bring comfort and relaxation to the people you love for many years to come.
Throughout the weekend I’ll guide you step by step in a relaxed, supportive environment, giving you plenty of individual help, hands-on practice and encouragement, so you always feel comfortable and never feel left behind.
Perfect for Complete Beginners
This course has been created especially for complete beginners. You don’t need any previous massage experience or natural talent—just a willingness to learn.
If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, “I’d love to be able to give a really good massage,” then you’re in exactly the right place.
This course is ideal if you’d like to:
• Give a relaxing full-body massage to your partner, family or friends.
• Learn simple, safe and effective massage techniques you can confidently use at home.
• Enjoy a relaxed weekend with plenty of hands-on practice and individual guidance.
• Gain a practical skill you’ll continue to enjoy and share for many years.
Whether you’re 25 or 75, everyone is welcome. We all learn at our own pace, and I’ll be there to guide, encourage and support you every step of the way.
Course Details
Dates & Times
Saturday 25 July 2026 9.00 am – 5.00 pm
Sunday 26 July 2026 9.00 am – 5.00 pm
Location Tahunanui, Nelson
Class Size Maximum 6 students, so everyone receives plenty of individual guidance, hands-on practice and personal support throughout the weekend.
Perfect For Complete beginners. No previous massage experience is required.
You’ll Learn How to give a relaxing full-body massage that your partner, family and friends will love.
You’ll Receive Comprehensive course notes, hands-on practice and individual guidance throughout the weekend.
Investment Early Bird: $300 (before 15 July 2026)
Full Price: $350
If your plans change, a full refund is available up to 10 days before the course begins.
Can’t make these dates?
Join the waiting list for the next course here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learning something completely new can feel a little daunting, especially if you’ve never given a massage before. That’s why I keep my classes small, relaxed and supportive, with plenty of hands-on practice and individual guidance throughout the weekend. My aim is for you to leave with practical skills you’ll enjoy using for years to come.
Here are some of the questions I’m most often asked.
1. Do I need any previous massage experience?
No. This course is designed specifically for complete beginners.
You don’t need any prior massage training or knowledge. Throughout the weekend, you’ll be guided step-by-step as you learn practical massage techniques in a supportive and relaxed environment.
Many people attend because they would like to help a partner, family member or friend feel more comfortable, while others are simply curious about learning massage for the first time.
2. Will I feel confident enough to massage my family and friends?
Yes. By the end of the weekend you’ll have learned a complete relaxation massage routine that you can confidently use at home.
There is plenty of supervised practice throughout the weekend, allowing you to build confidence and develop safe, effective massage skills that you can use with the people you care about.
3. What if I'm worried about getting it wrong?
This is one of the most common concerns people have before attending.
A large part of the course focuses on safe massage practice. You’ll learn how to position yourself correctly, how much pressure to use, how to work comfortably, and when not to massage certain areas.
You’ll receive individual guidance throughout the weekend so you can develop confidence in your touch and learn how to massage safely and respectfully.
4. Will I be properly covered during the massage practice sessions?
Yes.
Privacy, comfort and respect are very important. Professional draping techniques are used throughout the course so that only the area being worked on is exposed.
There is no nudity involved in the training. Students remain appropriately covered at all times, and careful draping practices are demonstrated and explained as part of the course.
Many people feel a little nervous about receiving massage for the first time, and creating a safe, comfortable learning environment is a priority throughout the weekend.
5. Will I receive a certificate at the end of the course?
You will receive a Certificate of Attendance showing the number of training hours completed during the course.
This certificate is not a professional massage qualification. Instead, it provides a valuable introduction to massage and is an excellent stepping stone for those considering further study.
Many students attend simply to learn massage for family and friends, while others discover a passion for massage and continue on to more advanced training in the future.
I'd Be Happy to Help
If you’re wondering whether this course is right for you, or you’d simply like to talk something through before booking, please get in touch. I’m always happy to answer your questions.
I'm really interested in learning massage with my partner. Is this the right course for us?
Many couples enjoy attending my Beginner’s Massage Course together. You’ll learn a beautiful full-body relaxation massage, practise throughout the weekend, and leave with the confidence to give safe, relaxing massages at home.
If your main goal is to deepen your connection as a couple and learn massage in a more intimate setting, you may also enjoy my Couples Massage Course. This course has been created specifically for couples and focuses on relaxation, connection and caring touch within your relationship.
You can learn more about the Couples Massage Course here.
Meet Your Tutor
Hi, I’m Elayne.
I’ve been a massage therapist and teacher for over 25 years, and I genuinely love introducing complete beginners to the pleasure of giving a wonderful massage.
My classes are relaxed, practical and supportive, with plenty of individual guidance, encouragement and hands-on practice throughout the weekend.
I look forward to welcoming you to the course.