Guardians of Glen Dene: Richard and Sarah Burdon’s Vision for a Sustainable High Country
Positioned between the shimmering waters of Lake Hāwea and Lake Wānaka, Glen Dene Station is more than just a high country farm—it’s a living legacy of stewardship, innovation, and environmental care. At the helm are Richard and Sarah Burdon, third-generation custodians whose passion for the land has transformed Glen Dene into a beacon of sustainable agritourism and conservation.
Since taking over the station in 2001, Richard and Sarah have expanded Glen Dene’s operations beyond traditional sheep, beef, and deer farming. Their vision embraces regenerative farming, biodiversity restoration, and community collaboration. The station spans over 15,000 acres, rich with native bush, wetlands, and alpine terrain—an ideal canvas for their environmental aspirations.
Through partnerships with Carbonz and other restoration initiatives, Glen Dene has fenced off sensitive areas, protected lake margins, and supported native regeneration. Their efforts earned them the Deer Industry New Zealand Elworthy Environmental Award in 2023, recognising their leadership in sustainable deer farming and land management.
The NZFAI FAP+ Journey
Glen Dene is a proud participant in the New Zealand Farm Assurance Programme Plus (NZFAP+), a voluntary, independently audited programme that sets high standards for environmental, animal welfare, and biosecurity practices. Their journey through NZFAI to FAP+ gold standard reflects a commitment to transparency, traceability, and continuous improvement—values that resonate with global consumers and local communities alike.
Biodiversity and Water Quality Monitoring
Glen Dene Station has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to environmental investment, welcoming collaboration with WAI Wānaka from the outset. Since 2020, they have actively embraced catchment-wide water quality monitoring, and since 2023, have supported on-farm biodiversity monitoring initiatives. Both programmes, partially funded by MPI, have supported the Burdons to understand their farming footprint, supported their FAP+ journey and played a key role in positioning Glen Dene as a leader in sustainable land management and environmental stewardship.
Hunting, Fishing & Conservation
The Burdons have built Glen Dene Hunting & Fishing into one of New Zealand’s premier hunting outfitters, offering fair chase experiences for red stag, tahr, chamois, and more. But this isn’t just about sport—it’s about conservation through connection. Richard’s advocacy for ethical hunting has taken him to global platforms like the Dallas Safari Club Expo, where he raised funds for conservation through high-profile auctions, including a $100,000 hunt with actor Cole Hauser from Yellowstone. These funds support initiatives like the Hunters for Conservation Trust, which Richard chairs, promoting habitat protection and biodiversity enhancement across New Zealand.
Jobs for Nature & Environmental Funding
Glen Dene has also benefited from Jobs for Nature delivered with WAI Wānaka and other funding streams that support riparian planting, pest control, and freshwater monitoring. These projects not only improve ecological outcomes but also create employment and skill-building opportunities in the local community.
The Camp Hawea: High Country Hospitality by the Lake
In 2009, Richard and Sarah Burdon extended their vision of sustainable tourism and community connection by purchasing The Camp, a beloved holiday park on the shores of Lake Hāwea. What began as a classic Kiwi campground has evolved into a vibrant hub for eco-tourism, glamping, and outdoor adventure, all while retaining its nostalgic charm. [thecamp.co.nz]
The Camp offers a wide range of accommodation—from tent sites and cabins to luxury glamping options like the Cross Hill Domes, nestled at the foot of Glen Dene Station. These domes combine high country hospitality with premium comfort, reflecting Sarah’s background in eco-tourism and the Burdons’ commitment to regenerative land use. [crosshill.co.nz]
Their philosophy is simple yet powerful: share the land, connect people, and create lasting memories. Whether it’s helping guests book fishing trips, hosting community events, or simply greeting visitors at the food truck, Richard and Sarah are hands-on hosts who embody the spirit of The Camp.
The Camp also serves as a platform for environmental education and storytelling, aligning with WAI Wānaka’s goals of connecting people to place. It’s a space where tourism meets conservation, and where every visitor becomes part of the Burdons’ journey to protect and celebrate the high-country landscape.
Community Leadership: Hāwea Catchment Group and Hāwea Stakeholder Group
Richard and Sarah are active members of the Lake Hāwea Catchment Group, a collaborative network of farmers, agencies, and environmental organisations working to improve water quality, biodiversity, and ecosystem health. Driven by a shared focus on biodiversity, a recent collaboration has implemented a wilding tree control programme across three catchment properties. The initiative has resulted in the removal or control of over 6,000 wilding trees, with each landowner contributing 20% of the total project costs. The remaining funding was provided by the Upper Clutha Wilding Tree Group. Richard also chairs the Lake Hāwea Stakeholder Group, which includes WAI Wānaka, ORC, LINZ, Contact Energy, the Guardians of Lake Hawea and others, aiming to align efforts and optimise resources for long-term environmental gains. Richard wears many governance hats in addition to these roles, one of which is now as a Trustee for WAI Wānaka, bringing valuable rural insights to the Board.
Glen Dene Station exemplifies how farming, tourism, and conservation can successfully coexist to enrich the local community. Recent initiatives such as the sale of carbon credits to Cardrona Distillery, which will fund a revegetation plan for the area, and the supply of locally sourced meat to FreshChoice Lake Hāwea, highlight a deep and growing connection to place. Under the visionary leadership of Richard and Sarah Burdon, Glen Dene continues to inspire others across the region and beyond, proving that with collaboration and foresight, the high country can thrive for generations to come.
Learn more about WAI Wānaka’s biodiversity and freshwater monitoring and rural collaboration initiatives.