Middlesbrough were the more impressive side and unfortunate not to record a win that would have boosted their fading promotion play-off hopes.
Middlesbrough welcomed back striker Scott McDonald after his recovery from the effects of a hernia operation.
Newcastle were seeking a double following a 2-0 December win to strengthen their position as Championship leaders and favourites for the title.
Boro appealed for an early penalty when McDonald was brought down but the referee rightly waved on play.
The home side enjoyed the bulk of possession without troubling goalkeeper Steve Harper, although there was a shock for home fans when Newcastle went ahead in 16th minute.
Denmark International Peter Lovenkrands boosted his scoring reputation when he turned sharply to score his 13th goal of the season from a Jonas Gutierrez pass.
Middlesbrough midfielder Barry Robson unleashed a powerful free-kick for the corner of the net only to be denied by a brilliant Harper full-length save.
On the run of play, Middlesbrough deserved a goal, especially as Newcastle were struggling to strike top form.
A goal arrived in the 36th minute when Robson combined with McDonald and fired in a brilliant shot from just outside the penalty area.
Middlesbrough, on the balance of play, should have been ahead at the interval but they lacked a cutting edge.
Newcastle manager Chris Hughton no doubt demanded improvement from his team during his half-time pep talk.
Middlesbrough, however, pressed strongly for a goal after the break though at the other end Danny Guthrie nearly deceived Danny Coyne with a dipping long-range lob.
Middlesbrough were showing their best form of recent weeks even though Harper was not overworked.
Julio Arca looked a certain scorer when he was clean through on the left but his shot was saved by Harper's legs.
Middlesbrough continued to press and it was no surprise when they went ahead after 74 minutes through McDonald.
From a Chris Killen header, McDonald took his chance from close range to score his first goal for the club.
But Newcastle are a team that can get reward through grit and resilience even when not on form and in the closing minutes Andy Carroll snatched an equaliser from a Ryan Taylor cross.