The Ashley River (Māori: Rakahuri; officially Ashley River / Rakahuri) is in Canterbury region of New Zealand. It flows generally southeastwards for 65 kilometres (40 mi) before entering the Pacific Ocean at Waikuku Beach, Pegasus Bay north of Christchurch. The town of Rangiora is close to the south bank of the Ashley River. The river's official name was changed from Ashley River to the dual name Ashley River / Rakahuri by the Ngāi Tahu Claims Settlement Act 1998. Though the lower reaches of the river are braided, part of the upper river flows through a canyon known as the Ashley Gorge.