Modern updates on Chinese classics and some of the city's best dumplings combine at Tao, in the inner suburb of Newmarket. Amid chic Shanghai-inspired decor, a younger clientele crowds in for shared plates including Peking duck, soft-shell crab and smokey wok-fired squid. The concise drinks list includes a well-curated selection of NZ wine, craft beers and baijiu (Chinese liquor).


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Parnell & Newmarket attractions

1. Highwic

0.37 MILES

A marvellous Carpenter Gothic house (1862), sitting amid lush, landscaped grounds.

2. Auckland Domain

0.41 MILES

Covering about 80 hectares, this green swath contains the Auckland Museum, sports fields, interesting sculpture, formal gardens, wild corners and the…

3. Auckland Museum

0.42 MILES

This imposing neoclassical temple (1929), capped with an impressive copper-and-glass dome (2007), dominates the Auckland Domain and is a prominent part of…

4. Kinder House

0.44 MILES

Built of volcanic stone, this 1857 home displays the watercolours and memorabilia of the Reverend Dr John Kinder (1819–1903), headmaster of the Church of…

5. Ewelme Cottage

0.44 MILES

Built in 1864 for a clergyman, this storybook cottage is an exceptionally well-preserved example of an early colonial house.

6. Wintergarden

0.49 MILES

The Wintergarden, with its fernery, tropical house, cool house, cute cat statue and neighbouring cafe, is in the Auckland Domain.

7. St Mary's Church

0.56 MILES

Next door to the Holy Trinity Cathedral, this wonderful wooden Gothic Revival church (1886) has a burnished interior and interesting stained-glass windows.

8. Holy Trinity Cathedral

0.61 MILES

Auckland's Anglican cathedral is a hodgepodge of architectural styles, especially compared to St Mary's Church next door, a wonderful wooden Gothic…