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.