Glen Dene Station was subdivided from Mt Burke Station in 1979.
In 1958, the station lost much of its lower country to the rise in Lake Hawea's water levels for hydro-electricity storage.
Glen Dene was farmed by Richard's parents Jerry and Lesley before Richard and Sarah took over. The 6000ha farm was recently freeholded during the tenure review process.
The Burdons lease another 463ha at Hawea Flat andMaungawera.
The judges said they were highly impressed with the way the farm was managed. They liked the farm's "great scope" and the planning for future development.
The judges commended the Burdons' efforts in combining economical farming, conservation efforts and tourism.
The Burdons aim to increase merino numbers over time through development and leasing more land. They want to reduce the wool micron to 18.5 average in the ewe flock.
They are developing a new breed called the fine merino composite (half Dohne merino with quarter merino and quarter Finn).
Most of the merino clip goes to the Icebreaker company.
Glen Dene also has relationships with Smart Wool, John Smedley and Loria Piana.
More than 1000 native plants will be planted in areas unsuitable for wool or meat production to meet Kyoto Protocol obligations.