[1] Based in Invercargill at the southern tip of New Zealand's South Island, its small, active group of about 36 amateur astronomer members participate in a variety of astronomical activities including education with groups and school children, deep sky observing, astrophotography and aurora observation.

[2] The society operates the Southland Astronomical Society Observatory and telescope at the Southland Museum and Art Gallery,[1][3] with public viewing nights during the winter (April to September).

[1][3] The telescope is a fork mounted 30 cm (12 inch) diameter Cassegrain design.

[1][2] The society has a small library which holds a range of astronomical texts and magazines both contemporary and historical.

[2] The society publishes a monthly newsletter for members.