The Windley River is a grade II/III packrafting run located in the southwest of the Eyre Mountains/Taka Ra Haka Conservation Park in New Zealand's Southland region. The river flows through a narrow, winding creek character and ultimately joins the Oreti River. The trip is well-suited to a weekend adventure given its overall length and approach terrain.

The standard route begins with a float down the Oreti River (grade I) from where Mt Nicholas Road crosses the Oreti, taking approximately one hour depending on flows, until reaching the Ashton Burn confluence. From there, the first day involves travel over mellow alpine terrain before camping. On the second day, roughly one hour of walking down the river leads to the first major confluence, which is the recommended put-in point, though paddling above this confluence is possible with sufficient water levels.

The first kilometre or so below the confluence passes through gorge sections rated grade III, all of which are easily scoutable from the forest. The river then eases into grade II/II+ read-and-run paddling for a stretch before the next significant confluence joining from the east, where a few more clean grade III drops appear. These drops are described as simple and enjoyable.

Water levels are an important consideration. The monitoring station on the Oreti River at Three Kings serves as a useful gauge indicator; a reading of around 8 cumecs represents approximately average flow. Running the river below this level is not recommended, as low water makes for an uncomfortable experience.

The takeout is at an old gravel pit on Center Hill Road, approximately 2km north of the Windley/Oreti confluence, which has recently been incorporated into a cycle trail. A shuttle vehicle or bicycle can be left there.

The Windley River corridor is also a designated trout fishery managed by Fish & Game New Zealand, with specific beats along the lower river. Anglers may access the river via the West Dome Forestry Road, so paddlers should be aware of other users in the area. The upper Oreti and Windley system is part of the Upper Oreti Backcountry Fishery, which operates under a designated waters licence system.