The Octopus's Garden

The Octopus's Garden takes a look at the hidden world of the ocean's "ultimate transformer" — the octopus, known for its shapeshifting and camouflage abilities. Set in the cold southern seas around Stewart Island (Rakiura), the documentary follows the short but intense life cycle of a female octopus as she navigates the seafloor in an eternal search for shelter and prey, including crabs, shellfish, and lobsters. Cephalopodologist Natalie Managh tracks her progress as she grows. Along the way, the octopus faces close encounters with trawlers, crayfish boats, and the ever-present danger of becoming another predator's dinner.

The octopus is the ultimate transformer. It can morph into any shape it requires; it can fly like a jet, and settle into stealth.

– Narrator Jeffrey Thomas on the mysterious and intriguing octopus

Key Cast & Crew

Peter Hayden

Supervising Writer, Executive Producer

Paul Donovan

Cinematographer

Jeffrey Thomas

Narrator

Andrew Penniket

Underwater Photography, Producer

Dianne Pettis

Writer

Natalie Managh

Scientific Consultant