Southland has proved to have all the right elements for the foundations of a number of science and research projects. Southland offers both urban and rural environments at a longitude ranging between 45° South on the mainland to 52° in the Sub Antarctic Islands, making Southland well suited for radio astronomy, ionosphere research and tracking of some space related projects.

 

The landscape of the region ranges from glacially carved mountain ranges ‑ up to 2,756 m (9,042 ft), ancient volcanos and glaciers in the west, internationally significant wetlands in the east, Sub Antarctic islands in the south, to rolling farmland in the north of the region.

 

The coastal marine environment ranges from the rough seas, including the “roaring 40’s and 50’s”, deep sea ecosystems to numerous uninhabited sheltered enclaves. Many unique species of native plants and animals are found in these habitats, as well as a number of introduced species.