Molotov cocktails were used to start a fire that damaged Ministry of Fisheries offices in Kaikoura on Wednesday.
Police say shortly after the incident, a police dog tracked a scent to an address where two men were arrested.
Detective Sergeant Mike Irving, of Blenheim, says the pair have been charged with arson and bail has been opposed.
Mr Irving says the men had been dealt with by fisheries officers the day before the fire over alleged poaching and had property seized.
They have been remanded in custody and will reappear in the Blenheim District Court on 26 April.
