The Godley River is an alpine braided river flowing through Canterbury on New Zealand's South Island. It runs approximately 30 kilometres south from its headwaters at the Godley Glacier, which originates near McClure Peak in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, before emptying into the northern end of Lake Tekapo. As part of the upper Waitaki catchment, the river ultimately forms part of the headwaters of the Waitaki hydroelectric scheme.

As a glacially fed braided river, the Godley carries the characteristic wide, shallow, multi-channelled form typical of Canterbury's alpine rivers. The upper reaches offer views of glacier lakes, while the lower sections feature the braided channels common to rivers descending from the Southern Alps. The scenery throughout is defined by the surrounding high-country landscape.

The river is documented as a jet boating destination, with the section from McKinnon Stream down to Lake Tekapo being a recognised jet boating route in the Upper Waitaki region. The lower braided channels and the glacier lakes in the upper reaches are noted features of this route. Paddlers should be aware that jet boating activity occurs on this river and plan accordingly, as this represents a significant safety consideration for those in smaller craft.

Water clarity on braided Canterbury rivers can vary, and glacial input means water temperatures are typically cold, consistent with high-country alpine rivers fed by snowmelt and glacier runoff. Flows and clarity can be affected by abstraction activities in the broader Waitaki system, with peak abstraction coinciding with summer irrigation demand months.

Access to the river corridor is associated with Lilybank Station, which sits upstream from Lake Tekapo. The river's remote alpine location means facilities and amenities for paddlers are minimal, and the terrain requires careful logistical planning for any trip.