The 1963 Chatham Cup was the 36th annual nationwide knockout football competition in New Zealand. The competition was run on a regional basis, with regional associations each holding separate qualifying rounds. Teams taking part in the final rounds are known to have included Otangarei United, Blockhouse Bay, North Shore United, Papatoetoe, Hamilton Technical Old Boys, Kahukura (Rotorua), Eastern Union (Gisborne), Moturoa, Hastings United, Wanganui United, St. Andrews (Manawatu), Wellington Marist, Nelson Rangers, Christchurch Nomads, Timaru Thistle, Northern (Dunedin), and Invercargill Thistle. It is known that unfancied side Otematata, from Otago's Maniototo district caused a surprise by reaching the last 16 stage.